Prevalence of Diabetic Nephropathy in the Urban Diabetic Population of Mysore

Abstract

Aim: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is becoming a major public health challenge in India, with increasing incidence in urban areas. Among its chronic macrovascular complications, Diabetic nephropathy (DN) significantly contributes to morbidity and development to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Early identification of individual at risk is essential to prevent irreversible renal damage and improve clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to understand the prevalence of DN and identify the risk factors associated with diabetes complications in the urban Mysore diabetic community.
Subject & Methods: A hospital based observational cross-sectional research was conducted out among 200 subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes(T2DM) from selected urban healthcare centres in Mysore. Diabetic nephropathy was diagnosed using established criteria, with data collected using structured questionnaires, clinical assessments, and laboratory investigations including HbA1c, and urine albumin. Statistical analysis was performed to find associations between nephropathy and demographic or clinical variables.
Results: Among the 200 participants, 54 (27%) were found to have DN. A statistically significant associations was observed between nephropathy and older age (p = 0.001), extended duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), presence of hypertension (p < 0.001), poor glycaemic control (average HbA1c 8.8% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001), and smoking (p = 0.03). Gender and BMI did not significantly associate with nephropathy.
Conclusion: The current study revealed a higher prevalence of DN in the urban diabetic population of Mysore. Early screening, lifestyle modification, and aggressive management of blood pressure and glucose are suggested to reduce the burden of complications. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions in urban public health strategies for diabetes management and complication prevention.