INTRODUCTION

Globally, the inadequate diagnosis and treatment of diabetic kidney disease remains a significant challenge, impeding effective management. The uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) has been associated with type 2 diabetes; however, its role in euthyroid patients with type 1 diabetic kidney disease (T1DKD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between UHR and T1DKD in patients with euthyroidism.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 335 euthyroid patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from 1,485 eligible participants. Sociodemographic and blood test data were collected from inpatients of the endocrinology departments of 18 hospitals in Gansu Province.

RESULTS

Among the 335 euthyroid patients with T1DM (mean age 35.5 years, 57.6% males), 49.6% had T1DKD. In the fully adjusted model, T1DKD was positively associated with UHR (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-3.87; P = 0.002). A positive relationship between T1DKD and UHR was also observed (nonlinear, P = 0.575). Subgroup analysis showed that this independent association remained consistent regardless of sex, body mass index, nationality, and marital status. The predictive value of UHR was ~22% higher in adults than in individuals aged <18 years.

CONCLUSIONS

UHR is positively related to DKD in patients with euthyroid T1DM. Assessing the UHR might be a valuable part of follow-up visits for patients with T1DM.