Correlation of HbA1c and Insulin Resistance with Urine Albumin Excretion in Non Diabetic Obese Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: A number of metabolic disorders are linked to obesity, which is a global health concern. Although renal impairment is a serious side-effect of obesity, its connection to insulin resistance is still a subject of discussion. Aim: To assess the correlation between microalbuminuria and HbA1c levels, as well as the association between Insulin Resistance (IR) and renal function in obese individuals. Materials and Methods: The present study was a crosssectional study conducted in patients attending the obesity clinic, in Endocrinology department, of a tertiary hospital in Kerala, India. A total of 144 obese individuals participated, meeting age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and health-related. Insulin resistance was measured using Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), while renal function was measured using the Urine Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR). Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate relationships between variables. Results: The study found a weak association between UACR and HbA1c levels and insulin resistance (r-value=0.159, p-value=0.056). Subjects with insulin resistance had significantly higher levels of microalbuminuria. Despite these connections, the mean UACR levels remained within the typical reference range. Conclusion: This study emphasises the importance of early renal health screening in obese individuals, with HbA1c and microalbuminuria measurements as promising methods for preventing kidney impairment. To establish causation in the complex interplay between metabolic variables and renal function in obesity and insulin resistance, future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and conducting longitudinal examinations.