Comprehensive Evaluation of the Relationship Between Predictors Including Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Diabetic kidney disease is prevalent among diabetic patients worldwide and in Libya. Thus, the study aims to evaluate the relationship between type 2 diabetes, other predictors, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In the cross-sectional study, the data were collected from a total of 382 type 2 diabetic patients treated in the Benghazi diabetic clinic. The data were collected through a written Questionnaire for the time period from January to June 2026. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis, which included descriptive analysis and Poisson regression. The Results indicate that the regular screening of renal function had a statistically significant relationship with DKD (p-value = 0.000, PR=2.767, 95% CI 1.672 to 4.579). Additionally, smoking e-cigarettes had a relationship to DKD compared to nonsmokers (reference) (p-value = 0.000); smoking shisha had a relationship to DKD compared to nonsmokers (reference) (p-value = 0.000). Moreover, the Body Mass Index variable is related to DKD (p-value = 0.042, PR=1.018, 95%CI 1.001 to 1.036). However, HBA1C and the history of HTN were not statistically significantly related to DKD. The research hypothesis is partially supported. The independent variables (marital status, family history of diabetes, working at a high temperature, BMI, smoking, caffeine consumption, and other complications of diabetes) are related to DKD. However, the other independent variables are not related to DKD. It is recommended for health educators to encourage diabetic patients to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and to regularly check renal function to decrease the risk of development and progression of DKD.