Objective: Cysta tin C has been proposed for the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study was designed to evaluate cystatin C levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy.

Materials and Methods: A total of 117 patients with type 2 DM, 87 patients with normoalbuminuria and 30 patients with microalbuminuria, were enrolled in this study. Serum glucose, creatinine, cystatin C, whole blood HbA1c and urine microalbumin levels were determined in all groups. GFR is estimated using the Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation.

Results: Cystatin C, creatinine, estimated GFR(eGFR) levels are significantly higher than in patients with microalbuminuria compared to patients with normoalbuminuria. Patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2had higher cystatin C and creatinine levels with respect to the group with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. When the patients were subgrouped acording to their ages cystatin C levels increased with age.

Conclusions: Cystatin C may be used for early detection of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 DM , however it is not superior to creatinine.