Biblioteca Virtual en Salud

Background:

India is the second largest home for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The chronic nature of disease along with high prevalence of “co morbidities” make its management tricky. Hence this multiple health conditions lead to faster decline in quality of health, which poses a great concern on the health-care delivery system as well as on patients’ pocket. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of co-morbidities among known type 2 diabetic patients residing in urban slums of the field practice area of a Medical College in North Karnataka.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study done in urban slums among type 2 diabetics, sample size was calculated to be 155. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding socio-demographic data and history of co-morbidities; height, weight and blood-pressure were measured using standard criteria. HbA1C level was checked using single use HbA1C Now+ kit by BHR diagnostics.

Results:

Out of 158 type 2 diabetics in our study, 86.7% had presence of one or the other co-morbidity. 61.9% and 51.5% of male and female participants had HbA1c levels >7.0 respectively, this was statistically significant. HbA1c level and BMI were significantly associated with presence of co-morbidities in our study population.

Conclusions:

Results show high prevalence of co-morbidities among type 2 diabetics. Hypertension, obesity, depression and neuropathy are the commonest co-morbidities. So, prevention of such co-existing diseases improves the quality of life of the sufferers.