BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the association of glycemic status and decreased renal function as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria in an adult Taiwanese metropolitan population.

METHODS: We did a cross-sectional survey in a representative sample of 2,350 Taiwanese adults aged 40 years and over living in a metropolitan city in Taiwan from 2004 to 2005. Glycemic status was classified as normal glycemia, hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Renal function was assessed with eGFR using modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation for Chinese. Albuminuria was determined by the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. Decreased renal function was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria as the albumin-creatinine ratio >30 mg g(-1) creatinine. RESULTS: 593 (25.23%) had hyperglycemia and 287 (12.21%) had T2D. As glycemia level increased, the prevalence of albuminuria and decreased eGFR increased. After adjustment, T2D was associated with an OR of 2.93 (95% CI: 2.11-4.07) for albuminuria, and an OR of 2.05 (95% CI: 1.18-3.58) for decreased eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS: In a representative sample from a metropolitan city in Taiwan, T2D was associated with albuminuria and decreased eGFR.