Follow-up of the diabetic patient: experience of a district of the city of Casablanca

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Diabetes is a chronic disease with a significant socioeconomic impact, especially in developing countries. In Morocco, the prevalence of diabetes is estimated at 12.4% and there are nearly 12,000 deaths/year related to this disease and its complications. Objectives To describe the epidemiological, therapeutic and follow-up profile of diabetic patients. Patients and Methods This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted from 20 to 22 March 2018, in the Mers Sultan-Fida district of the city of Casablanca, in the context of mass consultation of diabetic patients. The collected data were obtained through data collection and the obtained results were analyzed by SPSS v.16 software. Results A total of 228 patients were included in this study, the median age was 62 years [13-88], the median age of diabetes was 10 years [0.25-36]. The most frequent circumstance of discovery was the appearance of functional signs (31.6%). Regarding family history, 43.9% had a history of diabetes and 49.1% a history of hypertension. The median blood pressure was 150/80 mmhg, the median body mass index was 33.54 [21.16-42.72]; the mean HbA1c level was 8 +/- 1.81 g/l [5-15]. In the follow-up of these patients, 14.5% admitted to regular check-ups. Regarding treatment, 52.6% were on oral antidiabetic drugs and 22.8% on insulin therapy, 37.3% declared to take their treatment regularly. Conclusions It seems important to continue to raise awareness among diabetic patients in these three districts about the importance of diabetes control and regular monitoring of this condition in order to prevent or delay the occurrence of possible complications. Key messages Diabetes is a major public health issue in Morocco. Patient education on the importance of diabetes management is systematic.