Diabetes Awareness and Complications in Patients from Clinics in the Centre Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with complications having significant morbidity and mortality on the populations. It is a growing condition in developing countries, which are hosting nearly 75% of the world's diabetic patients. In the present study, we assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetic patients about the disease risk factors (smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise), and determined the frequencies of complications and some links between risks factors and complications in patients attending health clinics in the centre region of Cameroon. Methodology: The study was conducted from June 2017 to June 2020 in diabetes clinics of the Centre region of Cameroon. Diabetic patients attending the clinics for routine follow-up were enrolled in the study after they consented and signed an informed consent form. Their socio-demographic data, dietetic habit (eating, cigarette and alcohol intake, physical activity) were recorded on a questionnaire while the disease complications were obtained from their medical record. Results: A total of 588 patients were involved in the study including 68.20% females and 31.80% males. Fourteen (2.4%) patients were type 1 diabetes while 96.60% were type 2 diabetes. The mean age of participants was 31.28 ± 4.38 and 59.00 ± 12.21 years old for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively 37.52% participants regularly consumed alcohol whereas 3.74% were smokers. Complications of diabetes such as hypertension and ketoacidosis were detected in 62% and 15% of the diabetic participants, respectively. Physical activity significantly prevented or delayed the onset of hypertension, stroke and dyslipidemia. Significant association was observed between stroke and dyslipidemia in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Conclusion: This study reveals that diabetic patients had poor level of awareness, non-appropriated attitude toward preventing the outcome of disease complications.