ABSTRACT
Although the mult[factorial nature of type 1 diabetes mellitus is still not resolved yet especially the interaction between the genetic and environmental roles yet, the complications of the disease is well established. The current study was formulated to describe the epidemiological features of type 1 diabetics and reveal the common complications of type I diabetics as well as reveal the extent of achieving the intended medical care targets for diabetics. The study design is a cross sectional descriptive one whereas 63 type I diabetics were randomly selected from 5 diabetes health centers that represent the five health regions of Kuwait. The results of the study showed that the mean age of the studied population was 30.27 +/- 10.45 years. The majority [63.5] were women. Only 35.4% could achieve the targeted fasting blood glucose level while just 18% could achieve the targeted HbA1c level. Also, 28.6% could demonstrate a "good" body mass index. The majority were adherent to regular use of drugs [82.5%] and regularly visiting the diabetes center [76.2%]. Only 17.3% were practicing moderate physical activity while 27% were self monitoring their blood glucose and 61.9% were testing blood for glucose at home. Those suffering from cardiovascular complications constituted 20.6% of the sample and the same percent suffered from nephropathy while 28.6% had peripheral polyneuropathy. Retinopathy was detected among 14.3% while vascular lower limb complications were revealed among 30.9%. In general, the available medical resources and facilities need to be more and properly utilized. More effort is needed to achieve the targeted health care levels