Evaluation of Association between Microalbuminuria and Serum Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) develops due to chronic low grade inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Microalbuminuria (MAU) is thought be a result of generalized damage of the endothelium in T2DM. Insulin resistance results in high concentrations of serum lipids in diabetics due to increased mobilization of free fatty acids from fat depots. A chronic low-grade inflammatory condition has been proposed to underline increased risk for atherosclerotic disease, including renal dysfunction and cardiovascular disease suggesting a possible link between the high incidence of macrovascular complications and diabetes. Because MAU and serum lipid profile reflect closely related component of the same disease process, a strong relationship between these variables may be anticipated. We selected 50 patients of Type-2 diabetes mellitus and 50 normal healthy individuals to evaluate this association. The statistical analysis depicted a significant positive (r=0.36; p 0.033) negative correlation (r=-0.30) between microalbuminuria and serum HDL in type 2 diabetic patients. It can be argued that MAU may be related to insulin resistance in the prediction of cardiovascular events.