Prevalence, Spectrum and Determinants of Diabetes Mellitus Complications in Sagamu, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with numerous complications. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in our locality and constitutes a major public health problem. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated determinants of diabetes complications.
Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted among diabetes patients attending the endocrinology clinic in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. A sample size of 253 participants was recruited using the systematic random sampling technique. A well-structured questionnaire was developed for this study and was administered by trained research assistants. Information obtained was entered into SPSS version 24 and analysed.
Results: Out of 253 respondents, one hundred and ninety (75.1%) had at least one diabetes complication. Co-morbidities were  recognized among 104 (64.8%). All participants had HbA1c above the normal reference value of 6.5. Fasting blood glucose was within diabetes range among 154 (60.9%) patients. Neuropathy was the commonest (90, 36.0%). Age at diagnosis, duration of disease and presence of comorbidities were significantly associated with diabetes complications (P <0.05). Conclusions:  The prevalence of diabetes complication was high, the main complication was neuropathy. More than two-thirds had suboptimal glycaemic control. It is important to ensure appropriate measures to ensure tight glycaemic control to improve the quality of life.

Keywords: Co-Morbidities, Complications, Diabetes mellitus