Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a global non-communicable disease. Nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end stage renal disease. Micro-albuminuria is the earliest sign of renal involvement in patients with type 2 DM. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events, a common cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients.
Objective. To determine the association between micro-albuminuria and hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients attending clinic at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Nigeria
Methods: Ninety three type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi were screened for microalbuminuria and elevated blood pressure.
Results: Sixty (64.5%) patients had normoalbumunria and thirty three (35.5%) had microalbuminuria. The result also revealed a higher blood pressure in patients with microalbuminuria.
Conclusion: The study revealed a higher prevalence of hypertension among patients with micro-albuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients, therefore emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment of microalbuminuria which will halt or delay progression to end stage renal disease and improve outcome in the management of diabetic patients.

Key words: Microalbuminuria, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus