Insulin Pump Therapy Issues Among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Guidelines for the Management of Complications of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia Using Delphi Technique for Consensus Among National Experts

(1) Background: Saudi Arabia has one of the leading cases of diabetes globally, with approximately 27.8% of adults suffering from the disease. Given the negative consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM), it is critical to develop guidelines for its management. (2) Methods: After a thorough review of the literature around diabetes management, a diverse panel of 14 clinical experts was identified to participate in the Delphi process. The Delphi process included three rounds to ensure all available evidence was accounted for. (3) Results: The Delphi method concluded with a total of 37 guidelines reviewed and approved by the panelists, followed by verification from a third party in Saudi Arabia. The Delphi and external evaluation confirmed that authentic, relevant, and applicable evidence for diabetes management in Saudi Arabia was accounted for. The process concluded with a list of 37 statements about the management of acute and chronic complications of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. (4) Conclusions: The preparation of contextual evidence for the management of diabetes in Saudi Arabia will be instrumental in addressing the burden of disease in the region. The guidelines offer useful insights into diabetes care, especially by prioritizing early detection and proactive management of complications. They highlight the importance of lifestyle changes and medical therapy. However, due to the ever-changing nature of diabetes, the document must be monitored and updated on a regular basis to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Evaluation of carbohydrate counting knowledge among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Carbohydrate counting (CC) is an important nutritional strategy to improve glycaemic outcomes among patients with diabetes. Few studies have investigated CC knowledge among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate CC knowledge in Saudi adults with T1DM.

Study design and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022, including 224 patients with T1DM from the University Diabetes Center, Riyadh. Adults aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with T1DM for >1 year, and residing in Saudi Arabia were included. CC knowledge was assessed using a previously well-studied tool (AdultCarbQuiz), which was translated into Arabic and tested for validity by a group of dieticians. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and bivariate and regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The AdultCarbQuiz questionnaire-Arabic version had good validity and reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.87). The CC method was used by 54% of the participants. The mean CC knowledge score was 23.01±7.31. A significant negative linear relationship between the participants' CC knowledge scores, and age and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, was revealed by simple regression analysis. Furthermore, significant independent variables related to CC knowledge scores were CC use, HbA1c levels, being taught about CC (>5 times), insulin pump usage and DM duration (≤15 years).

Conclusions

Approximately half of the patients used the CC method. The mean CC knowledge scores were better in patients who used the CC method, were more frequently taught about CC, were treated using an insulin pump, and had a shorter DM duration than their counterparts. Therefore, designing and implementing a well-structured nutrition education programme tailored to individuals with diabetes is crucial to provide them with up-to-date dietary information, as well as the necessary knowledge and skills, to improve their outcomes and manage their condition.