Urinary Microalbumin and Early Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Borno State

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease in Nigeria, and early detection through urinary microalbumin measurement offers the opportunity for renoprotective intervention before overt renal failure develops. This study evaluates urinary microalbumin excretion and correlates it with glycaemic control and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes clinic in Borno State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used, recruiting 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Early morning spot urine samples were collected and analysed for albumin-to-creatinine ratio using immunoturbidimetric methods. Glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, and blood pressure were measured concurrently. Duration of diabetes, antidiabetic and antihypertensive medication use, and smoking status were documented. Microalbuminuria was classified using standard international thresholds. The study aims to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria as a marker of early nephropathy and to identify clinical predictors of its development in this population. Findings will support the inclusion of routine microalbumin testing in diabetes management protocols in North East Nigerian health facilities. Keywords: urinary microalbumin, diabetic nephropathy, HbA1c, early kidney disease, Borno State.