Abstract
Background and objectives: Diabetic nephropathy is a dreaded complication of type2 diabetes mellitus. However in the early stages, also known as incipient nephropathy, it can be detected by the presence of microalbuminuria. The present epidemic of diabetes is significantly fuelled by the growing problem of overweight and morbid obesity. The aim of our study was to know the occurrence of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to note its associations with obesity and lipid abnormalities.
Methodology: This study was undertaken in our institution from October 2012 to April 2014. A total of 100 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were randomly selected for the study. All patients were evaluated in detail along with the testing of microalbuminuria by calculating albumin- creatinine ratio of spot urine sample.
Results: The overall occurrence of microalbuminuria was 31%. The occurrence of microalbuminuria showed a significant increase in patients with higher waist circumference and body mass index. There was no significant association of microalbuminuria with abnormalities in lipid profile.
Interpretation and conclusions: The occurrence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients in this study was significantly influenced by abdominal obesity and body mass index of the patients. During the initial evaluation and also during follow up visits, particular attention must be given for recording of waist circumference and body mass index, and the importance of weight control has to be stressed as it will help in better glycemic control and reduction in progression to nephropathy.

Key words: type 2 diabetes mellitus, microalbuminuria, waist circumference, body mass index, lipid profile, HbA1c.