Assessment of Renal Function Using Serum Urea and Creatinine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Receiving Care at Referral Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) often causes renal dysfunction, which may progress to chronic kidney disease. The aim of the study was to assess the renal function of T2DM patients receiving treatment in referral hospitals in Enugu metropolis by measuring their serum urea and creatinine. Method: This comparative cross-sectional study included 160 age and sex matched participants: 80 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 80 non-diabetic controls. All provided informed consent. Participants were selected using simple random sampling from a defined sampling frame. Sociodemographic data were collected using validated, pretested questionnaires. Laboratory tests involved collecting 3 mL of fasting venous blood from each participant for the analysis of fasting plasma glucose, urea, and creatinine using spectrophotometric methods. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism version 8.0. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Result: Participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had significantly higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentrations than non-diabetic controls (p < 0.05). T2DM participants also had higher creatinine and urea levels (p < 0.05). FPG was positively correlated with creatinine (r = 0.488, p < 0.0001) and with urea (r = 0.415, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that serum urea and creatinine concentrations are elevated in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and show a positive correlation with fasting plasma glucose levels, suggesting an increased risk of subclinical renal dysfunction.  Consistent screening, together with structured patient education regarding glycemic control, is critical to reducing the risk of progression to chronic kidney disease.