Diabetes Mellitus Complications and Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetic Patients in Selected Hospitals of West Ethiopia

The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide. The prevalence might even be higher in low-income countries. As a result, type 1 and type 2 DM and their complications are imposing a high burden on patients (e.g. hospitalization, disability and death). In Ethiopia, there are limited studies focusing on the complications of type 1 and type 2 DM. Thus, we assessed the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 DM complications and associated factors in selected hospitals in western Ethiopia.

This cross-sectional study included 257 adult patients with DM attending the chronic care clinics of Nedjo general and Nekemte referral hospitals. The study was carried out between March 1 and April 30, 2016 using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and chart review.

Of the 257 patients, 87 (33.9%) had ≥1 DM complication. Acute and chronic complications accounted for 9.3% and 24.5% of the total DM patients, respectively. The age of the patients (p=0.024), family history of DM (p=0.038), DM duration (p=0.015), DM regimen (p=0.041), and the occurrence of other chronic diseases (p=0.006) were significantly associated with DM complications.

The findings of this study revealed that 1 out of 3 adults with DM have ≥1 complication in our chronic ambulatory care clinics. Diabetic keto-acidosis was the most common acute complication whereas hypertension was the most common chronic complication. The presence of DM complications was associated with the age of the patients, duration of DM, family history of DM, DM regimen and the presence of other chronic diseases.