Factors associated with self-monitoring of glycaemic control among persons with diabetes in Benin City, Nigeria

Persons with diabetes in our hospital are taught various methods of self-monitoring. However, the factors associated with this practice are poorly documented. We therefore investigated 100 consecutive patients from our clinic. Seventy-two (72%) subjects practised self-monitoring, 63 by testing urine, 8 by testing blood glucose, and 1 person by tasting his urine. Most tested once a week, and the frequency of testing differed on the basis of the method employed and also the level of education. We therefore recommend the inclusion of routine teaching of self-monitoring to diabetic persons in health educational talks

Trace mineral status and glycaemic control in Nigerians with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes has been shown to be associated with abnormalities in the metabolism of micronutrients, especially chromium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese. People with type 2 diabetes attending the Diabetes Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, were recruited to examine the relationship between trace mineral status and glycaemic control. A total of 120 persons were studied, mean (±SD) age was 54±7 years and mean duration of diabetes 4±4 years. Serum chromium level correlated inversely with fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c, unlike the serum concentration of zinc which had no significant correlation with either FBG or HbA1c. People with diabetes should be encouraged to eat local specific foods rich in chromium

Hypoclycaemia unawareness and falls in older adults with type 2 diabete

N/A

Bacteriology of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Bacteriology; in Benin City; Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the bacteriological pattern and antimicrobial susceptibility of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) infections seen in our practice; with a view to suggesting optimal therapy for these patients. Forty-seven persons with DFU were seen. The mean age was 56 years. Of these; 30 (64) had wound swabs sent for bacteriological assessment and antibiotic sensitivity patterns. There were 20 non-gangrenous ulcers and 10 gangrenous ulcers. Proteus spp and coliform organisms were the most predominantly isolated organisms in gangrenous ulcers; while Staphylococcus aureus; coliforms; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were commonly isolated in non-gangrenous ulcers. Grampositive organisms were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (100); gentamicin (100); and perfloxacin (88). Gram-negative organisms were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (74); gentamicin (43); and perfloxacin (39). We conclude that ciprofloxacin and gentamicin are the most effective antibiotics against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms; and thus recommend the combination of ciprofloxacin and/or gentamicin and metronidazole as initial therapy for patients with infected DFU while awaiting culture results