Awareness of Risk Factors of DKA among Diabetic Adults in KSA

Abstract

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of Diabetes mellitus (DM) that lingers to have high rates of morbidity and mortality regardless of advances in the management of DM. DKA mainly results from insulin deficiency from new-onset diabetes, insulin noncompliance and increased insulin need because of infection. Most persons with DKA have type 1 diabetes however, a subgroup of type 2 diabetes patients might as well have ketosis-prone diabetes. Aim of the work: To assess the level of awareness of the risk factors of DKA as well as the adherence of DM patients with drugs. Methods: This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study enrolling a total of 100 randomly selected diabetic Saudi adults ensuring diversity in age range and educational stages. Descriptive analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23. Awareness levels for DKA were calculated as absolute frequencies and were reported as overall percentages. Results: a total of 100 randomly selected diabetic Saudi adults (81 females and 19 males), 56% were diagnosed with DM-1 while 44% had DM-2 and only 11% were active sport practitioners. Moreover, only 62% reported a robust adherence to DM medications. The majority of the respondent scored low knowledge on DKA (54%). Regarding awareness of predisposing risk factors: 9% and 29% of the participants have related DKA to infection and febrile illness respectively. While, 50% of them suggested that there was an association between physical stress and DKA. Conclusion: Our results revealed a compelling need to bridge the disparity in awareness of DKA among Saudi adults with both types. The current knowledge gap doesn’t only incur a significant cost burden on the patients and their sponsors because of the high cost treatment and rehabilitation but also and more severely the complications that can be life-threatening if not spotted and treated quickly. Accordingly, we recommend the launch of education and awareness programs for the public at large, in the hope that this will lead to improved quality of life particularity for DM patients and their caregivers as well as establishing nutrition and sports programs at schools and universities that can teach children and young adults the preventive measures and appropriate management of DKA early on in life. Other public Awareness raising campaign through TV & Radio spots, culture and art activities and informational events would add a great value.