Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the transition phase. The present prevalence of DM is projected to double in the year 2035.

Materials and methods: This is an ongoing prospective observational study. Subjects were persons who had been diagnosed of DM using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and had been on treatment for at least six months. Standardised questionnaires were administered, biodata, and clinical profile of subjects were obtained.

Results: A total of 92 subjects have so far been recruited. Most of the subjects have T2DM (89.1%). The mean (S.D.) for age was 56.52 (15.8) years. 50% were males. The mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) for 63 subjects who had their FBS completed was 155.60 (75.3) mg/dl with a range of (61–389) mg/dl. Subjects who had abnormal BMI were 67%. Metformin was the most commonly used drug with 66.3% of subjects on it. The percentages of those on glibenclamide, glimepiride, insulin, and vidagliptin were 19.6, 26.1, 37.0, and 1.1% respectively. An optimal glycemic control; was achieved in 30.1% of the subjects (FBS <110 mg/dl). Eighty-three subjects had completed data for duration of diabetes with a mean of 4.9 (4.7) years.

Conclusion: Management of diabetes constitute a great challenge in a rural setting Several factors such as poor compliance contribute to this problem. Routine education of patients is therefore advocated.