Prevalence of Diabetic Nephropathy Among Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients Attending Sally Mugabe Diabetic Clinic: January 2024- December 2024.

Abstract

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is a critical complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) that significantly contributes to the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with morbidity and mortality. The Sally Mugabe biochemistry department reported a significant number of urine and electrolytes (U&E) tests from the hospital wards, with many samples originating from the renal ward, highlighting a concerning rise in the incidence of DN despite advancements in diabetes management, particularly in developing regions where access to healthcare and early detection mechanisms are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy among T2DM patients attending Sally Mugabe Diabetic Clinic from January to December 2024, by using medical laboratory data of 385 patients to achieve this objective. A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed, focusing on laboratory records from adult patients diagnosed with T2DM. The researcher used the random sampling technique during the research based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria. The research examined key risk factors, including socio-demographic variables and renal function test results. The study population consisted of patients aged 18 years and older who had been confirmed to have T2DM. Exclusion criteria included individuals with Type 1 diabetes, pregnant women and those with missing relevant data. Findings indicate that there is a high prevalence of DN among the study prevalence, with significant associations noted between socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, and socio-economic status, and the incidence of DN. Laboratory assessments, including Urine-Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), revealed alarming trends indicative of declining renal function, necessitating early detection and intervention strategies. A prevalence of diabetic nephropathy of 35.1% was found among T2DM patients attending the Sally Mugabe Diabetic Clinic. A higher prevalence was noted among males (38%), compared to females (31.9%). Most cases of diabetic nephropathy were found in those aged 50 years and above. The study suggests that inadequate healthcare access may increase the risk of DN in developing regions like Zimbabwe. The research findings highlight the urgent need for systematic screening and management protocols in diabetic clinics to address the rising burden of diabetic nephropathy and its consequential impact on public health. The findings contribute valuable insights into the epidemiology of diabetic nephropathy among type 2 diabetes patients, emphasizing the role of comprehensive healthcare strategies in mitigating its prevalence and progression.