Diabetes complications in Sudanese individuals with type 2 diabetes: Overlooked problems in sub-Saharan Africa?

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem in Sudan and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of complications of type 2 diabetes across different cities in the country.

METHODS: Individuals with type 2 diabetes, who have been on treatment for DM for at least one year and volunteered to participate, were selected from two diabetes centers in Sudan (Khartoum and Atbara). Participants were interviewed using standardized pretested questionnaire to record medical history, socio-demographic, life style characteristics and presence of complications of diabetes.

RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty four individuals with T2DM were included in this study (50.7% males and 49.3% females). Good glycemic control (HbA1c <7) was found in 15.7%. Hypertension was reported in 39.9% and myocardial infarction in 5.9%, while high cholesterol and triglyceride noted in 59.9%, 32.5% respectively. Low HDL was noted in 52.6%. Other complications like peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy and diabetic foot were observed in 68.2%, 72.6% and 12.7% respectively. Factors significantly associated with these complications were longer duration of diabetes (P<0.001), and living in urban areas (P<0.004).

CONCLUSION: High prevalence of complications of type 2 diabetes were observed especially in those with longer duration of diabetes and poor control.