Kidney disease screening in patients with diabetes mellitus in primary health care

Abstract

Objective: To determine the occurrence of elevated albumin in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Method: This quantitative, cross-sectional study considered a convenience sample of 46 patients treated at a primary care health service in Macapá, Amapá, in 2012. Data were collected from March to July 2012, using a form to record demographic (sex and age) and clinical variables (treatment for DM, HbA1c, 24-hour albuminuria and albumin-creatinine ratio). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The project was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: Of the 46 patients with diabetes investigated, 4.3% had elevated albumin in 24-hour urinalysis and a 19.6% albumin-creatinine ratio. Conclusion: These results confirm the importance of annual screening for kidney disease with a view to early diagnosis and treatment in order to slow the progression of the disease.