Prevalence and the factors associated with microalbuminuria among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension in the urban areas of Puducherry district: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Microalbuminuria is an early indicator for renal and cardiovascular diseases, especially among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). We determined the prevalence and the factors associated with microalbuminuria among patients with type 2 DM and/or HTN in the urban areas of the Puducherry district in India. Methods We included 225 patients aged 40–69 years with DM and/or HTN from a non-communicable diseases (NCDs) survey conducted during 2019–2020 in the urban areas of Puducherry district. The prevalence of microalbuminuria and various biological risk factors of NCDs were assessed as per the WHO STEPS methodology. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was presented as proportions (95% CI), and the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) was estimated using weighted forward stepwise generalized linear modelling. P-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean (SD) age of the patients was 54 (11) years. Over one-third (38.2%) (95% CI: 31.6–44.4) of patients with DM and/or HTN had microalbuminuria. The prevalence was highest among those having both DM and HTN 48% (95% CI: 37–59), followed by those having only DM 40.6% (95% CI: 29–52.2) and only HTN 27.7% (95% CI: 18.1–38.6). The prevalence of microalbuminuria was twice (aPR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–3.9) higher among women and 2.4 times (95% CI: 1.12–5.1) higher among those having both DM and HTN as compared to those with only HTN. Conclusion The prevalence of microalbuminuria among patients with DM and/or HTN is concerningly high. Population-based screening for microalbuminuria, especially among women and those having both DM and HTN, needs to be undertaken in the urban areas of Puducherry district.