The variable African diabetic phenotype: tales from the north and the south

Although most African diabetic patients are clearly phenotypically type 1 or 2, some do not easily fit into these categories. Examples are malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM) and atypical ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes. To explore this problem we have compared two cohorts of diabetic patients from very different parts of Africa ­ rural KwazuluNatal in South Africa, and Mekelle District in northern Ethiopia. Basic demographic data were collected as well as measurements of blood pressure (BP) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). South African patients were older (56±11 vs 41±16 years, p<0.001) than Ethiopian patients, and more were female (70% vs 30%, p< 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) was higher in South African patients (31.5±6.3 v 20.6±5.4, p<0.001) and 56% were obese (BMI >30.0) compared with 4% in Ethiopia (p<0.001). Hypertension (BP >140/80) affected 80% of South African patients but only 4% of the Ethiopian cohort (p<0.001). Insulin treatment was more common in the Ethiopian patients compared with South Africans (66% vs 25%, p<0.001). Duration of diabetes and HbA1c were similar in both groups. Phenotypically, 96% of the South Africans had typical type 2 diabetes, whereas only 42% of the Ethiopians had such type 2 characteristics (p<0.001). The high occurrence of apparent type 1 diabetes (42%) in the Ethiopian patients, in conjunction with their very low BMI levels and local chronic food shortages, raises the possibility as to whether at least some of this group may have MRDM

Diabetic complications and glycaemic control in remote North Africa

Background: Delivery of diabetes services in resource-poor areas of Africa is difficult. Control is often poor and complications are common. However, adequate robust surveys are uncommon, particularly in remote rural areas. This makes needs assessment difficult and health-care planning impossible. Aim: To accurately assess the glycaemic control and burden of complications in a group of diabetic patients from a remote area of a resource-limited north African country. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Over a 6-week period, all patients attending the diabetic clinic at Mekelle Hospital in northern Ethiopia were intensively assessed, using imported western technology as necessary. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, serum creatinine and urinary albumin­creatinine ratio were measured. Complications were assessed as accurately as possible, including examination of fundi by an ophthalmic specialist, and biosthesiometry for neuropathy. Results: There were 105 patients, mean (± SD) age 41 ± 16 years and diabetes duration 7 ± 6 years. There were 74 (70%) males, and 69 (66%) on insulin. Median body mass index was low at 20.6 kg/m2, but mean HbA1c high at 11.3 ± 2.8% (68% had an HbA1c over 10.0%). Cataract (12%), retinopathy (21%), neuropathy (41%) and microalbuminuria (51%) were common; but nephropathy (2%) was rare, as was large vessel disease (6% had peripheral vascular disease, and none had coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease). Risk factors such as hypertension (5%) and smoking (2%) were uncommon, and lipid profiles were generally good. Discussion: We conclude that in this severely resource-limited area of North Africa, glycaemic control amongst diabetic patients is very poor. Neuropathy, retinopathy and microalbuminuria are common; but large vessel disease risk factors are beneficial, and macroangiopathy prevalence is low. Scattered populations, shortage of drugs and insulin and lack of diabetes team care are major factors behind these serious issues of diabetic control and complications