Body mass index has no effect on rate of progression of chronic kidney disease in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: The incidences of obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are reaching epidemic levels. Recently obesity has been associated with the development of CKD. However, it is unclear whether obesity is a risk factor for the progression of CKD. This study investigated the effect of raised body mass index (BMI, calculated as kg/m2) on the rate of CKD progression in a group of patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Standards Implementation Study (CRISIS) is a large epidemiological study conducted in Manchester, UK. From the CRISIS database, we assessed the rate of progression of CKD in 229 adults who met the inclusion criteria. Baseline measurements such as BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were collected. eGFR measurements were obtained during follow-up to calculate the rate of eGFR change (ΔeGFR). Linear regression analysis and independent sample t-test were used in data analysis. Results: After a mean follow-up period of 31 months, linear regression analysis showed no relationship between ΔeGFR and BMI. Furthermore, independent sample t-test comparing the obese (BMI ≥30) and nonobese (BMI <30) groups' ΔeGFR showed no statistical significance (p=0.572). Similar results were observed after stratification according to CKD stages 3, 4 and 5. Conclusion: Raised BMI did not influence the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.