The Relationship between Microalbuminuria by Using Urine Dipsticks and Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Somkiat Potisat MD*, Attasit Srisubat MD, MSc*, Udom Krairttichai MD**, Amporn Jongsareejit MD***
Affiliation : * Institute of Medical Research and Technology Assessment, Department of Medical Services, MOPH, Nonthaburi ** Rajavithi Hospital, Department of Medical Services, MOPH, Bangkok *** Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, MOPH, Bangkok
Objective : Study the association between microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic
patients.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional analytic study of 1,111 cases with type 2 diabetic patients recruited
from seven public hospitals, between June and December 2006 was performed.
Result: Two hundred eighty six subjects (79 males and 207 females) with urine dipsticks for microalbuminuria
detection tested positive at least 2 of the 3 morning urine samples within 6 months. They were divided into 2
equal groups, micro- and normoalbuminuria based on quantity of albumin. Indirect ophthalmologic exami-
nation of all subjects’ eyes for diabetic retinopathy was performed by ophthalmologists (retinal specialists).
The present study showed that the proportion of diabetic retinopathy was 19.6% (28/143) and 12.6% (18/
143) in micro- and normoalbuminuric groups, respectively. The difference of proportion between the groups
was 7% but was statistically not significant (p = 0.108).
Conclusion : Microalbuminuria detected using urine dipstick was not cross-sectionaly associated with dia-
betic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.
Keywords : Microalbuminuria, Diabetic retinopathy, Urine dipstick, Type 2 diabetes
