Epidemiology and Predictive Factors of Renal Insufficiency in Diabetic Patients: Retrospective, Analytical Study at the Hospital Charite Maternelle (GOMA/DRC), 2020-2025

Abstract

Edouard Karagi, Daniel Bulondo, Aime Kazigi, Clovis Akumbi, Henri Chiza and Jacques Vigan

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue worldwide, and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Various renal impairments can occur during diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive factors of renal insufficiency in diabetic patients.

Patients and Methods: a retrospective, analytical, and comparative study of all diabetic patients followed or hospitalized at the Hospital Charite Maternelle from January 2020 to December 2025 who underwent a renal work-up. Factors associated with renal insufficiency were investigated using the chi-square test, followed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: 248 diabetic patients were included, of whom 69 (30.3%) had renal insufficiency (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). The mean age of the population was 55.38 ± 17.73 years (range: 11-94 years). Females predominated (M/F sex ratio = 0.72). Type 2 diabetes accounted for 74.8% of cases. Diabetic nephropathy was the most frequent renal impairment among patients with renal insufficiency (46/69, i.e., 66.7%), and acute pyelonephritis accounted for 14.5% of cases. In univariate analysis, advanced age (p = 0.002), type 2 diabetes (p = 0.008), anemia (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.001), and poor glycemic control (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with renal insufficiency; in multivariate analysis, only advanced age remained independently associated (adjusted OR = 3.84; 95% CI [1.05-14.01]; p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Renal impairment during diabetes is common and polymorphic in this West African context, with an unfavorable prognosis. Systematic, early renal screening, combined with rigorous glycemic and blood pressure control, remains the cornerstone of prevention.

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