Evaluation of glycemic control status and its associated factors among diabetes patients on follow-up at referral hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study, 2020

Prevalence of and factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending public hospitals in the Greater Male' Region, Maldives: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which is defined as having HbA1c greater than 7% is a major public health problem in several countries, including the Maldives. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determine factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control among T2DM patients.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional was applied to collect data from T2DM patients who attended public hospitals in the Greater Male' Region, Maldives where were one of the highest reports of T2DM and suboptimal glycemic control cases in the country between January to March 2023 by a validated questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Five (5) ml blood specimens were collected to measure the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to determine factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control of T2DM at a significant level of α = 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 341 participants were recruited for the study: 65.7% were female, 42.5% were aged 40-60 years, and 42.2% were married. The overall prevalence of suboptimal glycemic control was 50.7%. Ten variables were found to be associated with suboptimal glycemic control in multivariable logistic regression. Those aged 40-60 years (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.78-6.30), being single (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.21-5.30), preparation of food using more than three tablespoons of cooking oil (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.46-5.28), preparation of food with more than three tablespoons of sugar (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.31-4.93), no exercise (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.15-3.61), DM diagnosed with more than twenty years prior (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.34-4.99), obese body mass index (BMI) (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.75-8.32), high total cholesterol (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.36-4.35), high triglycerides (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.93-6.11), and high-level stress (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.48-5.93) were having a greater odds of having suboptimal glycemic control than those who did not have these characteristics.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of T2DM patients in the Greater Male' Region fail to control their blood glucose. Effective public health interventions should be introduced, especially interventions focused on reducing cooking oil and sugar in daily cooking practices, encouraging regular exercise, and maintaining cholesterol levels, particularly for those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus for more than 20 years prior.

Association between Perceived Protection Motivation, Preventive Behaviors, and Biomarkers among Diabetic Patients in Rural Areas of Thailand

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly worldwide. Without proper management, DM can have serious complications. We aimed to investigate the association between protection motivation theory (PMT) constructs, self-care behaviors, and biomarkers among diabetic patients in a community in northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Simple random sampling was used to select 422 subjects from patients enrolled in primary care in Chiang Rai Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and blood sampling to measure fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. The diabetic subjects' age was 62.25 years (standard deviation [SD] = 8.90), and the duration of diabetes was 9.07 years (SD = 7.23). Positive correlations were found between the DM knowledge score and the PMT score (r = 0.812, p < 0.01) and between the PMT score and the preventive behavior score (r = 0.817, p < 0.01). The preventive behavior score was negatively correlated with FBS (r = -0.319, p < 0.01) and HbA1c (r = -0.625, p < 0.01) and significantly associated with income (B = 0.15) and the PMT score (B = 0.71), accounting for 67.0% of the variance. Age (B = -0.73), sleep problems (B = 10.71), and the preventive behavior score (B = -1.15) were statistically significantly associated with FBS (R2 = 14.3%). Four variables, the female gender (B = -0.26), being married (B = -0.24), sleep problems (B = 0.42), and the preventive behavior score (B = -0.09), were statistically significantly associated with HbA1c levels (R2 = 41.6%). Health education programs should primarily target awareness of disease severity, complications, and self-efficacy enhancement to generate intention and behavior change. This may delay or reduce the occurrence of diabetes-related complications in people with type 2 diabetes.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Diabetes Mellitus and Their Association With Socioeconomic Status Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

 The objective is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice toward diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its association with socioeconomic status among adult patients with T2DM.

METHODS

 This cross-sectional study used the validated "Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT)" questionnaire obtained from the Michigan Diabetes Research Center. A translated copy into Arabic has been validated and used in another study. The questionnaire was created on Google Forms and distributed through digital platforms to collect data from patients with T2DM in Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

 In this study, the majority were female (63.4%), and Saudi Arabians (96.5%), among them 23.7% lived in Riyadh, and 42.8% were from the central region. As for marital status, 60.5% were married, 28.4% were single, and 11.1% were divorced or widowed. 58.9% had college/higher degrees, and 45.8% were unemployed. Furthermore, the majority (47.1%) reported having a salary of less than 5,000 Saudi Riyals per month. 55.1% of participants lived in villas, while 46.6% had 6-10 people living in their household. Generalized linear model (GLM) findings showed that age, marital status, level of education, monthly income, and accommodation are significantly correlated with the level of knowledge.

CONCLUSION

 Findings indicated a high level of knowledge, positive behavior, and good adherence to practice among patients with T2DM. GLM findings showed that age, marital status, level of education, monthly income, and accommodation are significantly correlated with the level of knowledge. Researchers suggest that effective health education interventions are needed to improve diabetes knowledge, behavior, and practices, particularly regarding lifestyle modifications and dietary management.

Prevalence of Glycemic Control and Factors Associated With Poor Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The primary method for preventing health and health-related problems in diabetic people is glycemic control. Numerous studies have documented the importance of glycemic control and the factors that influence it. However, the results are dispersed. This study sought to identify the prevalence of poor glycemic control and associated factors in Ethiopia. Findings will be crucial to reduce the burden of poor glycemic control. Comprehensive search was performed from databases: PubMed, Global Health, CINAHL, IRIS, and FSTA. Gray literature sources were also explored. This document was prepared based on the PRISMA flowchart. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022296583). STATA software was used for data analyses and I2 test with Cochrane Q statistics, and forest plot were used to verify heterogeneity. When the I2 value was higher than 50% and the p-value was 0.05, heterogeneity was deemed significant. To confirm publication bias, a funnel plot with an Egger's regression test was performed. The factors related to poor glycemic control were reported using pooled odds ratios (POR) and a 95% confidence interval. In this study, 46 papers totaling 15 457 people were used to calculate the pooled estimates. It was determined that 32.6% (95% CI: 28.3, 36.9) and 61.92% (95% CI: 57.92, 65.92) of the subjects, respectively, had good and poor glycemic control. Being male protected against poor glycemic control, while poor diet adherence, lack of exercise, poor adherence to anti-diabetic medications, and smoking increased the likelihood of poor glycemic control. Lack of formal education, no family history of diabetes, lack of glucometer for blood glucose monitoring, comorbidity, being overweight and prolonged length of stay with diabetes all contributed to poor glycemic control. Ethiopia had a fairly high rate of poor glycemic control. The main determinants are lifestyle factors. Therefore, it is important to focus on behavioral interventions.

Hypoglycemia prevention practice and associated factors among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analyssis

BACKGROUND

Hypoglycemia is an urgent, life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment for diabetes mellitus patients to prevent organ and brain damage. Hypoglycemia is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus patients around the globe. Hypoglycemia may increase vascular events and even death, in addition to other possible detrimental effects. In spite of the absence of other risk factors, patients receiving intensive insulin therapy are more likely to experience hypoglycemia. To reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and calculate the combined prevalence of hypoglycemia prevention practices among diabetes mellitus patients, recognition of hypoglycemia is critical.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this review was to evaluate the available data on Ethiopian diabetes mellitus patients' practices for preventing hypoglycemia and related factors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This review was searched using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google, Google Scholar, and the Web of Sciences. Microsoft Excel was used to extract the data. All statistical analyses were done using STATA Version 14 software with a random-effects model. The funnel plot and heterogeneity of the studies were checked. Subgroup analysis was done with the study area and authors' names.

RESULTS

In this systematic review, 12 studies totaling 3,639 participants were included. The estimated overall practice for preventing hypoglycemia among diabetic patients in Ethiopia were 48.33% (95% CI (28.21%, 68.46%, I2 = 99.7%, p ≤ 0.001). According to the subgroup analysis based on region, the highest estimated prevalence of the prevention practice of hypoglycemia among diabetes patients in Addis Ababa was 90%, followed by SNNRP at 76.18% and in the Amhara region at 68.31% respectively. The least prevalent was observed in the Oromia region 6.10%. In this meta-analysis, diagnoses with type II diabetes (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.05, 4.04), duration (AOR = 5.49, 95%CI:3.27,7.70), taking insulin for a long time(AOR = 4.31,95%CI:2.60,6.02), having good prevention knowledge (AOR = 2.89, 95%CI: 1.15,4.23), and occupation (AOR = 4.17, 95%CI: 2.20, 6.15) were significantly associated with hypoglycemia prevention practice.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review revealed that diabetic patients in Ethiopia had poor hypoglycemia prevention practices. Being an employee, taking insulin for a long time, having a good prevention practice, and having a type of diabetes mellitus were strongly correlated with practicing hypoglycemia prevention. This review implied the subsequent need for educational interventions for an individualized patient.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy among Adult Diabetes Patients in Southeast Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most prevalent microvascular consequence of diabetes mellitus, and it can result in blindness that is irreversible. Due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to diabetic care, the situation is even worse in developing countries. Scientific evidence on the prevalence of DR and its associated factors among diabetes patients in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DR and associated factors among adult diabetes patients in southeast Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetes patients who visited Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital. Fundus and slit-lamp examination were performed for screening of DR. Multivariate binary logistic regression was computed to identify factors associated with DR.

RESULTS

A total of 256 patients (144 men, 56.2%) aged 50.15±15.71 years were included in the study. The prevalence of any DR was 19.9% (95% CI 15.4%-25.3%), mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) 10.9% (95% CI 7.6%-15.4%), moderate NPDR 5.9% (95% CI 3.5%-9.5%), severe NPDR 0.9% (95% CI 0.2%-3.9%), and proliferative DR 2.3% (95% CI 1.0%-5.1%). Duration of diabetes ≥10 years (AOR 10.22, 95% CI 1.70-61.44), central obesity (AOR 5.42, 95% CI 1.38-21.19), overweight/obese (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.02-6.92), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (AOR 5.82, 95% CI 1.86-18.24), moderate triglyceride:HDL cholesterol ratio (AOR 4.13, 95% CI 1.13-15.15), and urban dwelling (AOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.04-7.78) were significantly associated with DR.

CONCLUSION

One in every five DM patients had DR. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and blood lipids were independently associated with DR. To reduce the burden of diabetes, strategies that focus on lifestyle modifications targeted at identified modifiable risk factors are essential.

Evaluation of glycemic control and related factors among outpatients with type 2 diabetes at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The goals of glycemic management for patients with diabetes are to prevent or delay complications and optimize quality of life. However, in clinical practice, the recommended glycemic control target is difficult to achieve. Therefore, it is important to identify factors that influence the outcomes of glycemia to improve the quality of diabetic management. The study aimed to evaluate the level and factors associated with glycemic control among type 2 diabetic outpatients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected 325 patients with type 2 diabetes who attended diabetic clinics at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic and diabetes-related information from March 1 to May 30, 2021. HbA1c was used to assess glycemic control according to the HbA1c target of < 7% ('good' control) as recommended by the American Diabetes Association for non-pregnant adults. The HbA1c level in the range of 7-8% was defined as 'inadequate' control and 'poor' at levels > 8%. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS v26. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of glycemic control.

RESULTS

The median level of HbA1c of the participants was 8.4% (IQR 6.8-10.1). And approximately three-quarters (73.8%) of the patients had inadequate and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%). Older age (AOR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.28-6.01), DM duration of > 10 years (AOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 2.22-6.54), insulin therapy (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 2.10-6.12), poor diet compliance (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.28-3.52) and failure to set goals for glycemic control (AOR: 3.42, 95% CI: 2.17-5.97) were factors associated with inadequate and poor glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that a significant number of diabetic patients had inadequate and poor glycemic control levels. And this was associated with older age, longer duration of DM, insulin therapy, poor diet compliance, and failure to set control goals. This requires a focus on the associated factors identified and tailored management mechanisms to maintain good glycemic control.

Prevalence and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in northern Thailand: A hospital-based cross-sectional control study

Background

Suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health problem, particularly among people living with poor education and economic statuses, including those with a unique dietary culture. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify the factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 DM during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was used to elicit information from DM patients attending six hospitals located in Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand, between February and May 2021. A validated questionnaire and 5 mL blood specimens were used as the research tools. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) greater than 7.0% among DM patients at least two years after diagnosis was defined as suboptimal glycemic control. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify the associations between variables at the significance level α = 0.05.

Results

A total of 967 patients were recruited for this study; 54.8% 530 had suboptimal glycemic control, 58.8% were female, 66.5% were aged 50-69 years, and 78.5% were married (78.5%). Six variables were found to be associated with suboptimal glycemic control in multivariable logistic regression. Participants aged <49, 50-59, and 60-69 years had 3.32 times (95% CI = 1.99-5.53), 2.61 times (95% CI = 1.67-4.08), and 1.93 times (95% CI = 1.26-2.95) greater odds of having suboptimal glycemic control, respectively, than those aged ≥70 years. Married individuals had 1.64 times (95% CI = 1.11-2.41) greater odds of having suboptimal glycemic control than those ever married. Participants who consumed sticky rice had 1.61 times (95% CI = 1.19-2.61) greater odds of having suboptimal glycemic control than those who did not consume sticky rice in daily life. Participants who had been diagnosed with DM for 11-20 years and ≥21 years had 1.98 times (95% CI = 1.37-2.86) and 2.46 times (1.50-4.04) greater odds of having suboptimal glycemic control, respectively, than those who had been diagnosed ≤ 10 years. Participants who had experienced forgetting to take their medication had 2.10 times (95% CI = 1.43-3.09) greater odds of having suboptimal glycemic control than those who did not, and those who had their medical expenses covered by the national scheme had 2.67 times (95% CI = 1.00-7.08) greater odds of suboptimal glycemic control than those who self-paid.

Conclusion

Effective health interventions to control blood glucose among DM patients during ongoing treatment are urgently required. The interventions should focus on patients aged less than 69 years, marital status, forgetting to take their medication, and a longer time since diagnosis, including reducing their sticky rice consumption. The effects of copayments should also be considered.

Poor Glycemic Control and Its Contributing Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Adama Hospital Medical College in East Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Poor glycemic control is a major public health issue among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a significant risk factor for the progression of diabetic complications. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and contributing factors of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up at Adama Hospital Medical College (AHMC) in East Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up at AHMC from March 1 to 30, 2020. All type 2 diabetes patients on follow-up at AHMC and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and reviewing the patient chart. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 245 type 2 diabetes patients included in the study, 157 (64.1%) had poor glycemic control. The factors associated with poor glycemic control were being male (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI [1.24-4.21]), not attending formal education (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI [1.53-6.35]), monthly income of <136 USD (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI [1.17-3.91]), overweight (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI [1.32-5.10]) and obesity (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI [1.44-8.21]), and chewing khat (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI [1.04-7.33]).

CONCLUSION

The proportion of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients at AHMC was remarkably high. Therefore, more effort should be taken to strengthening and disseminating health education programs for diabetes patients at each follow-up visit on the importance of achieving optimal body weight, avoiding khat chewing, and maintaining regular physical exercise to prevent and mitigate the complications resulting from poor glycemic control.