Cardiovascular risk factors in Saudi Arabian and non-Saudi Arabian diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia

To determine frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in Saudi and non-Saudi diabetics, we studied patients attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital for follow-up in the period January 1997 to December 2001. Cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and smoking, were studied as well as degree of blood glucose control. Of 1122 patients in the study, 48% were Saudis and 52% non-Saudis. No statistically significant difference was found for prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups. Correlation of each of the risk factors to patient's age showed significant correlation to hypertension and smoking

Common causes of admission in diabetics.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the causes of admissions of diabetic patients to the medical unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, mortality and risk factors, associated with high mortality, and to find out possible ways to reduce admissions, cost and mortality. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of diabetic admissions to the medical unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital between January 1996 to September 1999. Patients age, sex, body mass index, type and duration of diabetes mellitus, mode of treatment, degree of blood glucose control, presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were recorded as well as the causes of admissions and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 5917 patients were admitted, 17% of them were diabetics. Admissions for blood glucose control and for macrovascular complications were found in 21% and 38%. Mortality rate was 13%. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, infection, poor glycemic control, long duration of diabetes mellitus and long hospital stay were risk factors associated with high mortality. CONCLUSION: Macrovascular complications and uncontrolled blood glucose were the most common causes of admissions. Control of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cessation of smoking and weight reduction will not only decrease the risk of macrovascular complications, but also in addition to patient's education for tight blood glucose control, will decrease the rate, cost and mortality of diabetic admissions.