Predictors of renal failure among type 2 diabetic patients in Nigeria: A scoping review

Background: Although diabetes care has advanced and awareness is increasing, research on the factors leading to renal failure in Nigerian patients with type 2 diabetes remains scarce and inconsistent.

Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify and map out existing literature on renal failure predictors among T2DM patients in Nigeria.

Method: Studies published from 2016 to 2025 were identified using electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Sci-Hub, and Web of Science. Articles employed in this review were cross-sectional, prospective, retrospective, cohort, and hospital-based studies that focused on predictors, prevalence, or risk factors of kidney failure in Nigerian T2DM patients. A standardized PRISMA-guided form was employed to extract data and summarize in a descriptive and thematic approach.

Result: Seventeen studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The identified predictors were described and categorized into groups, including biochemical and emerging biomarkers, clinical factors, socio-demographic information, and aspects of lifestyle. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c), hypertension, prolonged duration of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity were frequently identified predictors of renal impairment. Renal function evaluation across all studies relied on creatinine-based techniques, with limited use of novel biomarkers including NGAL and hs-CRP. 

Conclusion: The most dominant predictors of renal failure are hypertension, BMI, duration of diabetes, obesity, poor glycemic control, dyslipidemia, albuminuria, abnormal lipids, antioxidant, advanced age, male gender, smoking, and history of diabetes. Emerging biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), can contribute to early detection.