Epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical profile of type 2 diabetes in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered as one of the major public health problems in Kuwait. Many factors affect the standard of health care and achieving preset specific targets particularly patients' practice and utilization of health care facilities. The current study was formulated to describe the epidemiological features of type 2 diabetics and to reveal the common complications of type 2 diabetics as well as the extent of achieving the intended medical care targets. The study design is a cross sectional descriptive one whereas 64] type 2 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 54.3 +/- 10.4 years, with almost equal proportions for males and females [49.9% and 50.1%]. Only 31.3% could achieve the targeted fasting blood glucose level while just 19% could achieve the targeted Hb[A1c]. level. Also, 14% could demonstrate a "good" body mass index. The majority were adherent to regular use of drugs [85.5%] and regularly visiting the diabetes center [80%]. Only 17.3% were practicing moderate physical activity while 6.2% were self monitoring their blood glucose and 29.3% were testing blood for glucose at home. Those suffering from cardiovascular complications constituted 31.2% of the sample while 11.5% were suffered from nephropathy and 32.4% from peripheral neuropathy. Retinopathy was detected among 32.1% while vascular lower limb complications were revealed among 43.6%. 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