Serum potassium levels in Thai patients with T2DM and eGFR greater than or equal to 90 ml/min/1.73 m2

Abstract

Background: Disturbances in potassium levels can occur in patients with renal dysfunction. This study’s aim is to describe the serum potassium (sK) levels in Thai patients with type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) with or without hypertension (HT) and with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) greater than or equal to 90 ml/ minute/1.73 m 2 . Methods : There was a cross sectional study performed throughout Thailand in 2016 for assessment on the quality of care among patients diagnosed with T2DM and HT. We selected a subgroup of patients who had data of sK levels and eGFR value greater than or equal to 90 ml/minute/1.73 m 2 for analyses. Results: There were 3,719 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) eGFR was 102.59 (9.12) ml/minute/1.73m 2 . The mean (SD)sK level was 4.11 (0.52) mEq/L. The mean (SD) SBP and DBP were 130.86 (15.47) and 76.15 (10.14) mmHg, respectively. The sK levels were categorized into 3 groups: low, normal and high at <3.5, 3.5-5.0 and >5 mEq/L, respectively. The prevalence of hypokalemia was 6.7 % and level less than 3 mEq/L was found in 55.6% of the hypokalemic population. The percentage of hypokalemia was found to be high in the group with diuretic usage. The prevalence of hyperkalemia was 2.9% and levels more than 5.5 mEq/L was found in 21.7% of the hyperkalemic group. Conclusions : The hypokalemia and hyperkalemia in T2DM with or without hypertension and eGFR≥90 ml/minute/1.73 m 2 can be found. The sK levels less than 3 mEq/L could be related to diuretic usage. Therefore, patients who are prescribed diuretics or renin angiotensin aldosterone blockades should have sK levels regularly monitored.