Type 2 diabetes complications and comorbidity in Sub-Saharan Africans
Kenneth Ekoru1, Ayo Doumatey1, Amy R Bentley1
1Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Eclinicalmedicine
|December 14, 2019
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses a significant health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with high rates of complications like hypertension and cataracts. Urgent public health strategies are needed for prevention and management.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) complications and comorbidities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Context-specific evidence is crucial for effective T2D intervention strategies in SSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the spectrum of T2D complications and comorbidities in SSA.
- To inform public health priorities and interventions for T2D in the region.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 2,784 participants with T2D and 3,209 controls from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
- Assessment of cardiometabolic, ocular, neurological, and renal complications and comorbidities in T2D patients.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of hypertension (71%), hyperlipidemia (34%), and obesity (27%) in T2D participants.
- Significant rates of cataracts (32%), diabetic retinopathy (15%), impaired renal function (13%), and erectile dysfunction (35%) were observed.
- T2D contributed significantly to the population-attributable fraction of these comorbidities, ranging from 6% to 64%.
Conclusions:
- The burden of T2D complications and comorbidities in SSA is substantial.
- There is an urgent need for public health strategies promoting healthy lifestyles for T2D prevention and early detection.
- Strengthening healthcare systems for T2D complication management is essential.
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