Knowledge and impact of diabetes in patients in a tertiary clinic in Southeast Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) of public health importance; as it has become a global epidemic requiring the efforts of caregivers and patients for effective management and prevention. This has necessitated the inclusion of diabetes education as an essential component of diabetes care. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of diabetes and the impact of this knowledge on patient management; with a view to making recommendations on how to improve management and treatment outcomes. This was a prospective cross-sectional study including all previously diagnosed patients with diabetes who attended the Outpatient Endocrinology Clinic of the Department of Internal Medicine; Federal Medical Centre; Owerri; Imo state; Nigeria during the period of the study. One hundred and three (103) subjects consisting of 44 males and 59 females aged 20-80 years participated in the study. Most had had diabetes for 5 years or less; and about 40% did not know what diabetes meant. Approximately 80% knew the names of their drugs. Diet was the only lifestyle modification adopted by the respondents. They had good social disclosure attitudes. In conclusion; the patients displayed a good knowledge of the drugs used in their management; and a positive impact of their knowledge in the area of diet control and disclosure attitudes. There was still a poor knowledge of the cause of diabetes; which cannot easily be overlooked; as it is significant to the total management of the patient. A nationally adopted programme of structured education for people with diabetes is recommended

Hyperglycaemic emergencies in pregnancy: case reports and literature review

Two cases are presented of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurring in newly presenting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Nigeria. Both were associated with foetal death; and the cases emphasise the need for efficient GDM screening and patient education. GDM is increasing in frequency; and the 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines give simple and applicable guidelines for screening; diagnosis; and management. Even glycosuria testing can be helpful at a primary care level. The reoccurrence of GDM is also high (up to 50% of cases); and such women should be encouraged to seek early antenatal care in subsequent pregnancies

Problems associated with treatment compliance among type 2 diabetic patients at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria

This study analyses the problems associated with compliance to treatment among type 2 diabetic patients attending the out-patient clinic in Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. It also determines the extent to which patients comply with medications and understand blood sugar control. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires from 30 randomly selected subjects. An analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that 30% of the respondents were aged between 40 and 50 years, 63% were married, and 37% had secondary education. Those with a duration of diabetes of more than 5 years totalled 30%. 43% reported on understanding of good glycaemic control, while 33% defaulted in taking medications. Also, 37% agreed that medications should be stopped when they are feeling well, while 40% agreed that compliance was associated with fear of hypoglycaemia. It is important to explore the precursors to treatment adherence behaviour and to carry out interventions that can change negative attitudes toward treatment compliance and promote medical knowledge, which may help improve compliance in the treatment of type 2 diabetes