Clinical Profile of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Gusau, Northwestern, Nigeria

Background: There are variable reports of glycemic control and complications among patients living with diabetes mellitus (DM). Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the glycemic control and complications among patients with DM seen at the medical outpatient department of a tertiary health institution in Northwestern Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 236 patients attending DM Clinic at Federal Medical Centre Gusau. A questionnaire was administered that contains sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, duration of DM, adherence to management, and complications. Anthropometry, blood pressures, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Eighty-six (36%) males and 150 (64%) females patients with DM were evaluated. Their mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 53.5 +/- 12.3 years with mean (SD) duration of DM of 7.9 +/- 6.2 years. The mean FPG was 8.85 +/- 3.8 mmol/L (males 8.21 +/- 3.6, females 9.49 +/- 3.8). Forty-seven (20%), 75 (32%), 113 (48%) of the patients had good, fair, and poor glycemic control, respectively. The major complications observed were peripheral neuropathy (61%) and visual impairment (51%). Glycemic control was significantly better among males and those with good adherence to medications. There was a positive association between the longer duration of DM with complications. Conclusion: Only 20% of our patients achieved good glycemic control and many have complications. Majority of the patients adhered more with medications as compared to dietary management and exercise. There is a need for clinicians to educate patients more on the need for lifestyle modifications.