Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global chronic health challenge, and Tunisia is witnessing a concerning surge in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). According to the IDF 2021, diabetes affects 10.8% of adults in Tunisia, equivalent to 869,400 cases among a total adult population of 8,046,400.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to gather data on diabetic patients with chronic complications. The study encompassed patients hospitalized in the Endocrinology Department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The research focused on the epidemioclinical and therapeutic profiles of complicated diabetic disease.

Results: The study comprised 114 patients, with 64 (56.1%) males and 50 (43.9%) females, resulting in a sex ratio of 1.28. The average age at hospitalization was 65.38±10.17 years, ranging from 41 to 87 years. The mean BMI was 28.8±6.2 kg/m²;, with females exhibiting a higher average (32.2±6.5 kg/m²;) compared to males (26.3±4.7 kg/m²;). Dyslipidemia was the predominant risk factor (86.8%), followed by hypertension (74.6%), obesity (32.5%), and smoking (21.1%). The average diabetes duration was 12.87±8.38 years. Treatment modalities included exclusive use of oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) for 61.4%, insulin for 17.5%, and a combination of OAD and insulin for 14.9%. Diabetic nephropathy was identified in 67.54% of patients, while diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy were present in 33.3% and 52.6%, respectively. Among the 90 patients with cardiovascular involvement, coronary insufficiency was the predominant macroangiopathy (59.7%), followed by heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke (10.5%).

Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes is linked to a wide array of complications, categorized as macrovascular and microvascular. This study illuminates the pervasive complications of type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive management strategies addressing both macrovascular and microvascular aspects. A deep understanding of the epidemiology and treatment patterns of diabetic complications is vital for enhancing patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications.

References: 1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th Edition. 2021. 2. Zheng Y, Ley SH, Hu FB. Global aetiology and epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Nat Rev Endocrinol. February 2018;14(2):88-98.