Prevalence of Undiagnosed Dysglycaemias and their Correlates amongst Hypertensive Patients in a Tertiary Health Facility in Abuja, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Dysglycaemia, (diabetes mellitus, DM, and Prediabetes) and Hypertension (HTN) are two common non-communicable  diseases that are closely linked. Cardiovascular risk profile and cardiovascularrelated death rise significantly when they co-exist. A third of  cases of diabetes mellitus amongst hypertensive patients are undiagnosed and most people who are newly diagnosed have a low  level of awareness. This study is therefore designed to assess the prevalence of dysglycaemia and associated factors, among  hypertensive patients attending our facility.

Methodology: Clinical and laboratory information on 858 patients was extracted and analyzed. This includes sociodemographic variables  such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and level of physical activity. Also, family history of diabetes mellitus, the duration of  hypertension as well as types of antihypertensives used by those already attending the clinic for hypertension care. Other variables were  blood pressure, height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, and body mass index (BMI). Blood glucose and plasma lipid profile as well.  

Results: More than a quatre of the patients had prediabetes. Between 2% and 6.1% had diabetes mellitus using 2HPP and FBG  respectively. Following cross-tabulation, dysglycaemia was significantly associated with age, duration of hypertension, body mass index,  BMI, elevated total cholesterol, LDL as well as the use of beta blockers and thiazides.

Conclusion: Dysglycaemias are common among  hypertensive patients in Abuja. Age, duration of hypertension, body mass index, dyslipidemias, beta blocker, and thiazide use were  positively associated with dysglycaemia. Screening for dysglycaemia is recommended for all hypertensive patients at the point of entry to  care.