Prevalence of Chronic Complications and Associated Factors in Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic complications and associated factors in type 2 diabetes in 500 diabetic patients, age > or = 25 years, attending the clinic of Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP), Karachi.

Methods: Every 5th registered diabetic patient > or = 25 years age, was examined for the presence/absence of micro and macro vascular complications and associated factors. Blood samples were collected for HbA1c, lipid profile and serum creatinine. Urine was examined for albumin and microalbumin.

Results: Of the 500 diabetic patients examined (160 males, 340 females, mean age 55.2 10.6 years), retinopathy was seen in 43%, neuropathy in 39.6% and foot ulcers in 4%. Nephropathy was found in 20.2%, and was significantly associated with hypertension. The prevalence of microvascular complications was higher in the group of patients with HbA1c > 8% and was significantly related to duration of diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Hypertension was manifest in 64.6% patients, 61% had raised Body Mass Index and Waist Hip Ratio was more than normal in 88% subjects. Macrovascular complications were encountered in 102 diabetic patients, with angina in 85 (17%), heart attack in 25 (5%) and stroke in 13 (2.6%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic microvascular complications was higher in people with poor glycaemic control, longer duration of diabetes and associated hypertension and obesity.