ABSTRACT
Introduction: The prevalence of obesity among people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been widely documented. However, the specific composition of this bodyweight remains largely unknown. The study aimed to understand the body composition of T2DM patients using the bioelectric impedance analysis technique, comparing findings to sex and agematched controls. Materials and Methods: A comparative case-control study was carried out among 139 known cases of Type 2 diabetes aged 18 to 78 years randomly sampled from the diabetic clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. We matched them to 139 hospital controls who were healthy non-diabetic attendants. Body composition parameters were computed and summarized as medians and interquartile ranges. Differences in the medians of body composition parameters were further assessed using the Mann- Whitney U test. Fat-free and fat mass indices were derived to offer a precise estimation of body composition parameters adjusted for height differences among study participants. Results: Cases had significantly higher median systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), total fat percentage, fat mass amount, Fat Mass Index, visceral fat, and metabolic age than their counterparts, whereas controls had significantly higher median total body water percentage versus cases. The highest significant differences occurred in fat percentage composition (Cases: ß: 6.9 (95% C.I: 4.4, 9.4); Controls: Ref) followed by visceral fat (Cases: ß: 3.5 (95% C.I: 2.5, 4.4); controls: Ref) and Fat Mass Index (Cases: 95% C.I: 2.6 (95% C.I: 1.6, 3.7). Cases had significantly higher Fat Mass Index, visceral fat and fat percentage (all p<0.05) than controls. Conclusions: Routine assessment of body composition of T2DM patients needs to be done to assess the amount, type and pattern of weight gain to prevent increases in adiposity.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The first-year post-diagnosis is the most challenging and stressful period in the lifetime of a young child and adolescent living with diabetes, given the adjustments that are meant to be adopted. Therefore, psychosocial factors affecting newly diagnosed children and adolescents need to be well understood and children supported to improve treatment adherence. However, evidence concerning psychosocial experiences among young patients with diabetes is scant in Uganda. This study explores the perceptions and experiences of newly diagnosed children and adolescents in Uganda. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed. We recruited participants aged 6 to <18 years diagnosed within twelve months from three study sites: Mulago National Referral Hospital, Wakiso HCIV, and St Francis Nsambya Hospital. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted, and textual data were analysed thematically using a framework approach. Results: We identified five themes: battling with symptoms, emotions at diagnosis, challenges in coping with diabetes management, changes I have made, and positive outcomes registered. The analysis found that young people living with diabetes experience a new world of adjustments, including insulin therapy, routine blood glucose monitoring, and dietary changes that are often difficult to deal with, especially in the first year after diagnosis. Discussion: Continuous psychosocial support to newly diagnosed young children and adolescents with T1DM is vital. Addressing psychosocial challenges may improve adherence to treatment regimens. Conclusion: Our findings have demonstrated the mixed experiences of newly diagnosed young children and adolescents living with diabetes, from anxiety and stigmatization to independence.
