Risk Factors for Albuminuria in Normotensive Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Renal Function: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is prevalent in developed and developing countries, including China. However, few studies have examined the potential risk factors for albuminuria in normotensive older adults with type 2 DM and normal renal function. METHODS: We recruited normotensive older adults (≥ 65 years) with type 2 DM and normal renal function from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January to December 2019. We stratified participants according to their urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) into the following groups: normal ACR (ACR1), microalbuminuria (ACR2), and macroalbuminuria (ACR3). Demographic characteristics, anthropometric parameters, and metabolic profiles were recorded. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) and homeostasis model assessment—insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for albuminuria. RESULTS: A total of 250 older adults were enrolled during the study period, including 124, 82, and 44 with normal albuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria, respectively. We found that an extended duration of DM (odds ratio [OR] 1.085, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.012–1.164, P = 0.022), elevated systolic blood pressure (OR 1.049, 95%CI 1.018–1.081, P < 0.01), elevated glycated hemoglobin (OR 1.734, 95% CI 1.332–2.258, P < 0.01), low insulin (OR 0.871, 95% CI 0.804–0.944, P < 0.01), and low C-peptide (OR 0.365, 95% CI 0.239–0.588, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for albuminuria. CONCLUSION: Elevated blood pressure, low insulin, low C-peptide, and poor glycemic control were significant risk factors for albuminuria. These parameters may serve as early indicators for intervention.