Diabetic nephropathy: prevalence and associated risk factors in primary health care

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in primary health care and its association with risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through the Family Health Strategy in an adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus, encompassing 78 participants between May 2022 and February 2023. DN was identified using albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate. Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression were used for association analyses. Results: The prevalence of DN was 38.5% in primary care and was associated with plasma urea levels > 40mg/dL and the use of antihypertensive medications. For the studied individuals, elevated glycated hemoglobin increased the odds by 1.52 times for developing DN. Conclusion: This study allowed for identifying the prevalence and profile of diabetic nephropathy in primary care. Additionally, factors such as glycated hemoglobin, the use of antihypertensive medications, and elevated urea were associated with the development this diabetic renal disease.