Prevalence of chronic complications and associated factors in type 2 diabetes

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.

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.

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%).

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