Abstract
Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of poor glycemic control and risk factors associated with it among diabetic patients in the central rural region of Saudi Arabia.
 Methods: The study included a review of diabetic patients’ medical record in King Khaled Hospital in Al-Kharj from the beginning of January 2019 to the end of June 2019. Poor glycemic control was defined as the current use of diabetic-lowering medication associated with HbA1c levels ≥7%. Multivariate analysis was done to identify the associated factors of poor glycemic control.
 Results: Of 1,010 consecutive outpatients’ diabetic patients were involved in the study sample, poor glycemic control presented in 496 (49.1%). Individuals who were at risk to have poor glycemic control those between 45 and 65 years with odds ratio (OR) of 1.927 (95% CI: 1.143–3.248), obese 1.496 (95% CI: 1.085–2.063) and diagnosed with asthma 2.062 (95% CI: 1.637–3.504).
 Conclusion: The extent of poor glycemic control in the study sample was found high. Age, obesity, and having asthma are the most important factors of increased risk of poor glycemic control. Improving glycemic control would need rigorous efforts by addressing these factors.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a main medical problem that has been rising more rapidly in the twenty-first century
The prevalence of DM overall is anticipated to increase due to high socioeconomic development, urbanization, and changes compounded by lifestyle and behavior patterns in the country, according to a report by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health [3]
When patients with no complications of DM were taken into account, poor glycemic control was significantly high in patients with nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a main medical problem that has been rising more rapidly in the twenty-first century. It is affecting about 415 million adults and it is projected to affect 642 million in 2040 (uncertainty interval: 521–829 million), according to The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) [1]. Saudi Arabia is one of the nations with the highest DM prevalence regionally and internationally. The prevalence of DM overall is anticipated to increase due to high socioeconomic development, urbanization, and changes compounded by lifestyle and behavior patterns in the country, according to a report by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
