Epidemiological and clinical patterns of diabetes mellitus in Benghazi, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

The clinical characteristics and prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] diagnosed in Benghazi are reported. Data were based on the analysis of records for the period 1981 to 1990. A total of 8922 NIDDM cases [4081 males, 4841 females] were registered during the study period. The overall prevalence rate of NIDDM was 0.19%; it was significantly higher in females [0.21%] than males [0.17%] [P < 0.01]. The prevalence rate in patients aged > or = 20 years was 3.8% and was significantly higher in females [4.7%] than in males [2.9%] [P < 0.01]. Prevalence rates increased with each higher age group and peaked in the 50-54 years age group. Prevalence of hypertension was 22.5% and prevalence of overweight was 59.4%. The most common complications of diabetes were neuropathy [45.7%], retinopathy [30.5%] and nephropathy [25.2%]

Diabetic retinopathy in non-insulin dependent diabetics in Benghazi

In Benghazi diabetic retinopathy [DR] was found in 12.4% of diabetic patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes [N1DDM]. Difference in sex was not significant [males 13%, females 12%]. Duration of diabetes was the most important factor. Hypertension was a significant factor. Difficulties for comparison of DR in Benghazi and other countries were discussed. We concluded that more systematic and standard studies of DR in developing countries are needed for comparison of the prevalence of DR and to study the environmental and genetic factors which may contribute to the development of DR

Diabetes mellitus and Ramadan

Eighty eight well-controlled insulin-treated diabetics in Benghazi were randomly allocated into three treatment groups during the fasting month of Ramadan. Daily-insulin doses were reduced by about 20%. Group 1 received a mixture of regular and intermediate acting [NPH or Lente] insulins [1:1] at the end of the days fasting [Futur]. Group II received a mixture of regular and intermediate [1:1] at Futur and a second dose of regular insulin [one fifth the daily dose] at the last meal before the next day's fast [Suhur]. Group III received a mixture of regular and ultralente insulins [1:1] at Futur and a second dose [one fifth daily dose] at Suhur. Patients in group 1 had significantly better control as compared to groups II and III [P<0.05]. No statistically significent difference could be found between groups II and III. It was concluded that, for well-controlled insulin-treated patients, mixture of regular and intermediate-acting insulins [1:1] at Futur [80% of the dialy dose] is the most suitable regimen tested during Ramadan

prospective study of bacteriuria in Libyan adults

A prospective study was carried out to discover the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among Libyan adults attending one of the polyclinics at Benghazi for reasons other than urinary complaints. A total of 628 cases were screened. Covert bacteriuria was found in 4.5% males were bacteriuric. Escherichia coli was the commonest organism isolated from these patients. An increased resistance was found to some of the commonly prescribed antibiotics, especially ampicillin [75% resistant] cotrimoxazole [62%] and teracyclin [62%]. Nitrofurantoin was active against 81% and cephaloridine against 87.5% of isolate

Management and control of diabetes mellitus during Ramadan

Blood glucose levels of 1837 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic in Benghazi during the fasting month of Ramadan were measured during their fast. The management and degree of control of these patients during the fasting month are discussed in this preliminary report