Frequency of Diabetic Nephropathy Using Renal Resistive Index in Type 2 Diabetics with Normal Albuminuria

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy using the renal resistive Index in patients with Type 2 diabetes and normal albuminuria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Karachi Teaching Hospital, from November 2025 to  April 2026. A total of 280 individuals with type 2 diabetes of both genders and different age groups, with no known diabetic nephropathy and albuminuria below 30mg/g were included. We recorded gender, age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes duration, creatinine, eGFR, UACR, BMI, RRI, glucose, HbA1c, and ultrasonography findings. RRI >0.70 indicated high resistance. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23. Results: We enrolled 280 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal albuminuria, whomwhom 165r.9%) andwere male and15(4 1.1%).  The mean age was 51 years, with elevated RRI (>0.70) in 23.2% (65 participants). Higher RRI was associated with longer diabetes duration, poorer glycaemic control, increased creatinine, lower eGFR, and greater overweight/obesity. Hypertension, smoking, and sex were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study concluded that renal resistive index can play a vital role in early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes with normal albuminuria. The frequency of diabetic nephropathy (RRI >0.70) was 23.2%. The renal resistive index significantly correlated with fasting blood glucose, diabetes duration, HbA1c, serum creatinine, GFR, and lipid profile.