METHODS: We studied 101 patients with pre-operative diabetes and albuminuria [defined as urine albumin:creatinine ratio (uACR) > 30 mg/g] who underwent bariatric surgery at an academic center from 2005 to 2014.
RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (56%) were female with a mean age of 53 (± 11) years. The mean pre-operative BMI and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were 43.1 (± 7.6) kg/m2 and 8.4 (± 1.8)%, respectively. The median pre-operative uACR was 80.0 (45.0-231.0) mg/g. Bariatric procedures included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 75, 74%) and sleeve gastrectomy (n = 26, 26%). The mean follow-up period was 61 (± 29) months. At last follow-up, the mean BMI was 33.8 (± 8.3) kg/m2. The overall glycemic control improved after bariatric surgery. At last follow-up, 73% had good glycemic control (HbA1c Albuminuria improved in 77% and resolved in 51% of patients at long-term.
CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery has a significantly positive impact on albuminuria in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our data showed almost an 80% improvement in albuminuria at the short- and long-term period after bariatric surgery.