Glycemic control among diabetic patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Serum ferritin level and associated factors among uncontrolled adult type II diabetic follow-up patients: comparative based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (UT2DM) and its associated consequences nowadays have been a global health crisis, especially for adults. Iron has the property to oxidize and reduce reversibly, which is necessary for metabolic processes and excess accumulation of iron indicated by serum ferritin levels could have a significant impact on the pathophysiology of T2DM via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, no conclusive evidence existed about the association of serum ferritin with the state of glycemic control status. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate serum ferritin levels and associated factors in uncontrolled T2DM patients and compare them with those of controlled T2DM and non-diabetic control groups.

METHODS

A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 156 study participants, who were categorized into three equal groups of uncontrolled T2DM, controlled T2DM, and non-diabetic control groups from October 2 to December 29, 2023 at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and diabetes-related information. The laboratory tests were done using an automated chemistry analyzer and IBM-SPSS statistical software (version-27) was utilized for data entry and analysis with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULT

The mean serum ferritin level was noticeably higher in uncontrolled T2DM patients as compared to controlled T2DM and control groups (p < 0.001). It was significantly correlated with HbA1c [r = 0.457, p < 0.001], fasting blood sugar (FBs) [r = 0.386, p < 0.001], serum iron [r = 0.430, p < 0.001], and systolic blood pressure (SBP) [r = 0.195, p = 0.047] in T2DM patients. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that a rise in HbA1c (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI(1.50-8.98), serum iron (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI(1.01-1.04), male gender (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI(0.05-0.57) and being on oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA) monotherapy (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI(0.07-0.95) were key associated factors for the elevated serum ferritin among T2DM patients.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that T2DM patients had elevated serum ferritin levels which might be related to the existence of long-term hyperglycaemia and that serum ferritin had a significant positive association with HbA1c and FBs, implying that it could be used as an additional biomarker to predict uncontrolled T2DM patients.

Routine data in a primary care performance dashboard, Ethiopia

Objective

To explore the feasibility of building a primary care performance dashboard using DHIS2 data from Ethiopia's largest urban (Addis Ababa), agrarian (Oromia) and pastoral (Somali) regions.

Methods

We extracted 26 data elements reported by 12 062 health facilities to DHIS2 for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. Focusing on indicators of effectiveness, safety and user experience, we built 14 indicators of primary care performance covering reproductive, maternal and child health, human immunodeficiency virus, tuberculosis, noncommunicable disease care and antibiotic prescription. We assessed data completeness by calculating the proportion of facilities reporting each month, and examined the presence of extreme outliers and assessed external validity.

Findings

At the regional level, average completeness across all data elements was highest in Addis Ababa (82.9%), followed by Oromia (66.2%) and Somali (52.6%). Private clinics across regions had low completeness, ranging from 38.6% in Somali to 58.7% in Addis Ababa. We found only a few outliers (334 of 816 578 observations) and noted that external validity was high for 11 of 14 indicators of primary care performance. However, the 12-month antiretroviral treatment retention rate and proportions of patients with controlled diabetes or hypertension exhibited poor external validity.

Conclusion

The Ethiopian DHIS2 contains information for measuring primary care performance, using simple analytical methods, at national and regional levels and by facility type. Despite remaining data quality issues, the health management information system is an important data source for generating health system performance assessment measures on a national scale.

Determinants of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Prior primary studies have examined the prevalence and factors associated with glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but studies with evidence-based synthesis of the primary data remained unknown. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence of poor glycemic control and identify determinants of poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia.

Methods

We performed searches in the online databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. Microsoft Excel was used to extract data, and STATA statistical software (v. 16) was used for analysis. Publication bias was explored by forest plots, Begg's rank test, and Egger's regression test. To check for heterogeneity, I2 was computed. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on region and publication year. In addition, the pooled odds ratio for associated factors was calculated.

Results

Out of 1,045 studies assessed, 23 studies were included fulfilling our inclusion criteria. In all, 6,643 individuals were enrolled in the study. It was estimated that 61.11% of type 2 diabetes patients had poor glycemic control (95% CI, 57.14-65.19). The subgroup analysis by study region and publication year revealed that the highest prevalence was observed in the Addis Ababa region (68.57%) and studies published before 2019 (61.76%), respectively. Poor glycemic control was associated with older age > 50 years (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.27-2.97), not attending formal education (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI: 2.75, 4.46), having diabetes for longer duration (10 years; AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.65-3.49), having comorbidity (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 2.05-2.80), and low adherence to diabetes management (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 2.41-4.92).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of poor glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia. Being older, not attending formal education, having a longer duration of diabetes, having comorbidity, and having low adherence to diabetes management were all associated. Therefore, we recommend health organizations implement measures to monitor and control patients' blood glucose levels. Patient education and training of healthcare professionals could serve as a short-term strategy to achieve adequate glycemic control.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022349792, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022349792.

Frequency and correlates of poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes at Jimma Medical Centre, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

the majority of studies in Ethiopia determine the prevalence of glycemic control employed by fasting blood sugar (FBS), which is impacted by a variety of factors. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the status of glycemic control using HbA1c and its correlates in patients with type 2 diabetes in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

a cross-sectional study was employed among 124 T2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients at Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Southwest Ethiopia. HbA1c and FBS were estimated using the Cobas 6000 analyzer. The body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio were calculated as the standard formula. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors associated with poor glycemic control of DM patients.

Results

males comprised 63.7% (n=79) of the total respondents. The mean age of aOR: 2.21, 95% CI 1.13, 4.34; p = 0.01f participants was 51.84 ± 11.6 years; 60.5% (n=75) of T2 DM patients were in poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, BMI of ≥ 30, (aOR: 2.21, 95% CI 1.13, 4.34) increased waist-to-hip ratio (aOR: 1.63, 95% CI 0.82, 2.18), high systolic blood pressure (aOR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.11, 6.23), high FBS (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI 1.00, 4.12), and longer duration of DM (aOR: 1.23, 95% CI 0.87, 1.88) were associated with poor glycemic control.

Conclusion

the level of poor glycemic control in the study population is high. Obesity and/or overweight, central obesity, systolic hypertension, and fasting blood sugar levels were all associated with poor glycemic control in T2 DM patients.

Depression and glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study in a comprehensive specialised hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression and its sociodemographic predictors, clinical predictors and glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes at Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (SHYCSH), Jigjiga, Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted.

SETTING

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, for chronic follow-up from 3 October 2022 to 13 November 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

Randomly selected 278 patients with T2DM age 18 years and older, with a duration of 1 year or more since diagnosis, who had a diabetic follow-up at SHYCSH.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 263 participants were included, with a response rate of 94.6%. Of the respondents, 134 (51%) were male, making up more than half of the total. The overall prevalence of depression was 47.1% (95% CI 41.1 to 53.2). Depression was further classified, as follows, based on its severity: the majority (66 or 25.1%) had mild depression, followed by 44 (16.7%) with moderate depression, 9 (3.4%) with moderately severe depression and 5 (1.9%) with severe depression. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that poor glycaemic control (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.93; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.53), DM complications (AOR=2.02; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.74) and DM duration of 6-10 years since diagnosis (AOR=2.29; 95% CI 1.21 to 4.34) were independently associated with depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a significant burden of depression among patients with T2DM receiving follow-up care at the hospital. Glycaemic control, the presence of complications and a longer duration of diabetes were identified as predictors of depression. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should work to improve blood sugar control and promote healthy behaviour, particularly among those with complications or who have been sick for an extended period of time.

The Pattern of Initial Presentation of Diabetes, Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors Among Diabetic Pediatrics Attended Service at Selected Public Hospitals of Southern Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Study

Background

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in the pediatric population. Globally the incidence of diabetes increased from 11.3 million (95% UI 10.6-12.1) in 1990 to 22.9 million (21.1-25.4) in 2017, with a 102.9% increase and there was a 3% increase in diabetes mortality rates by age between 2000 and 2019.

Objective

This study aims to assess the pattern of initial presentation of pediatric diabetes mellitus, treatment outcome, and its predictors among pediatrics who attended service at selected public hospitals in southern Ethiopia from 2015 to 2019.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 randomly selected pediatrics from October 1st, 2021 to December 30, 2021, and participants were selected randomly from 8 randomly selected public hospitals in southern Ethiopia after proportional to client flow allocation of samples. Data was extracted from clients' charts using a data extraction checklist. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24, and logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables, and significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Results

In this study, most (74.6%) of the pediatrics initially presented with Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This study found that Two-thirds (67.1%) of the respondents in the study had a good treatment outcome. In this study residence, presenting signs and symptoms; poly symptoms and weight loss, history of hospitalization, and comorbidity were predictors of treatment outcome of pediatric diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus with Diabetic ketoacidosis is the predominant pattern of initial presentation in the study. The magnitude of poor treatment outcomes of diabetes mellitus among pediatrics in this study is high and unacceptable Residence, signs, and symptoms at initial presentation, history of hospitalization, and comorbidity were found to be significant independent predictors of treatment outcome of pediatric diabetes mellitus.

Effects of pharmacist-led interventions on glycaemic control, adherence, disease management and health-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: a protocol for a network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The increase in the number of patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is in need of effective management interventions. However, research to date has been limited to the evaluation of the outcomes of community pharmacists alone. Therefore, the aim of the study protocol is to compare the effects of clinical pharmacist-led intervention strategies for the management of T2DM in the outpatient settings.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

The study will collect and analyse data applying standard Cochrane methodological procedures. A search for eligible studies and ongoing trials will be conducted using PubMed, Embase, Medline (via Ovid), EBSCO (via Ovid), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) Journals (via Ovid), ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, and ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials.gov) from database inception to December 2023. Clinical and health outcomes will be measured using both glycaemic control related indicators (eg, glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose) and general indicators (eg, adherence, disease management and health-related quality of life). The meta-analysis will conduct pairwise meta-analysis using random effects models and network meta-analysis (NMA) employing the Bayesian hierarchical model. The visualisation and statistical analysis will be carried out using RevMan, R Studio and ADDIS. Additionally, we will evaluate the certainty of the evidence by using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

There will be no primary data collection from NMA participants, and there is no requirement for formal ethical review. Our aim is to present the results of this NMA in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, at conferences, and in the mainstream media.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022355368.

Perspectives for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Glycaemic control is a significant problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the perspectives associated with glycaemic control are not fully known as previous studies rarely explored patients' perspectives and lived experiences. This qualitative study described the perspectives regarding glycaemic control among persons with type 2 diabetes in Kinshasa, DRC. A total of 23 participants were purposively selected in seven health centres in Kinshasa. In-depth interviews were used for data collection. The study used a phenomenology approach, and deductive, constructionist and thematic analysis. Data analysis was performed using the MAXQDA 2022. Five themes were identified as perspectives for glycaemic control in Kinshasa: financial constraints, limited social and relational support, difficulties with lifestyle changes, beliefs and practices about diabetes and ability to adapt for caring for the illness. Themes were integrated using social cognitive theory. Participants expressed that they were unable to achieve better glycaemic control due to financial constraints, limited social and relational support and difficulty in changing their lifestyle. Their beliefs and practices about diabetes also constituted a barrier. Our results showed that lack of adequate funding is a major determinant of glycaemic control and therefore it is crucial to integrate a consistent and reliable funding system for care of people living with diabetes. Persons with diabetes must be empowered to successfully adapt to the requirements of diabetes care. In this process, support for people living with type 2 diabetes is also essential and should involve their families as well as healthcare providers.

Magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia

Despite the development of new medications over the past decade to aid in the control of blood glucose, most diabetic patients often do not reach recommended glycemic targets of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) < 7% in daily clinical practice because of many contributing factors. This study was designed to assess the magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control among adult diabetic patients on ambulatory chronic care follow-up at Jimma Medical Center. A cross sectional study was conducted on 307 adult diabetic patients between January 2 and April 30, 2022. Representative samples were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Predictors of poor glycemic control were assessed using a binary and multi variable logistic regression. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 and R in the R studio environment. A total of 307 adult diabetic patients were included in the study making a response rate of 93%. Out of 307 adult diabetic patients, majority (62.5%) were males. Mean age of the patients was 48.91 ± 15.68 years. The majority, 221 (72%), of patients had poor glycemic control. Non-adherence of patients to medications (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI 1.16-9.72, p = 0.04), no formal education (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI (1.06-13.93, p = 0.04), therapeutic inertia (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.61-6.20, p = 0.001) and poor diabetic knowledge (AOR = 4.79, 95% CI 1.56-14.68, p = 0.006) were found to be independent predictors of poor glycemic control. Nearly three fourth of diabetic patients in the present study had poor glycemic control and were at higher risk of developing diabetic complications or already developed it. These results highlight the need for appropriate management of patients focusing on adherence to medications, education, therapeutic inertia and diabetic knowledge to maintain good glycemic control and improve adverse outcomes of the disease in this study setting.

The association between early maladaptive schemas and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes is a disease with high prevalence and causes heavy economic burden. Mental and physical health are tied together and their interaction determines one's health or sickness. Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are suitable indicators of mental health. We investigated the association between EMSs and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2021 on 150 patients with T2DM. We used two questionnaires a demographic data questionnaire, and a Young Schema Questionnaire 2 - Short Form for gathering the data. We also performed laboratory tests on our participants and used the results of fasting blood sugar and haemoglobin A1 c to evaluate glycaemic control.

RESULTS

Most of our participants were females (66%). Most of our patients were 41-60 years old (54%). There were only three single participants, and 86.6% of our individuals did not have a university degree. Total mean ± SD for EMSs score was 192.45 ± 55.66; self-sacrifice (19.09 ± 4.64) and defectiveness/shame (8.72 ± 4.45) had the highest and lowest EMSs scores, respectively. None of the demographic data had any significant impact on EMSs scores or glycaemic control, but generally, younger patients with higher levels of education had better glycaemic control. Participants with higher scores for defectiveness/shame and insufficient self-control had significantly worse glycaemic control.

CONCLUSION

Mental and physical health are tied together, and paying attention to psychological aspects in prevention and management of physical disorders is crucial. EMSs, especially defectiveness/shame and insufficient self-control are associated with glycaemic control of T2DM patients.

A cross-sectional study on the association between varied social support modalities and glycemic levels amongst diabetic patients residing in Machakos County, Kenya

Introduction

diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. While there's increasing evidence that social support from caregivers improves health outcomes in chronic illness management, the potential associations of the different types of social support and glycemic control among Type II diabetes clients have largely been ignored in Kenya. This cross-sectional study sought to establish the association between tangible, emotional, and informational social support and glycemic levels among clients diagnosed with Type II diabetes in Machakos County, Kenya.

Methods

semi-structured interviews were conducted with 726 randomly selected Type II diabetes clients enrolled in diabetes care and treatment programs in government-owned public health facilities in Masinga and Matungulu sub-counties, Machakos, Kenya. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to elucidate any associations.

Results

seventy-three percent (73%) of the respondents were female, and 27% were male, with the majority (77.9%) being above 50 years and having lived with diabetes for over 3 years (61.5%). Opportunities for social support existed, with 62% of the respondents living with more than 2 persons above 18 in their households. From the Random Blood Glucose test analysis, 38.9% of the clients had high glycemic levels, partly because the majority (66.9%) of the respondents did not practice good diabetes self-management practices at the time of the study. While all three types of social support were reported as provided, only 30.6% reported receiving adequate social support. An association was found between social support and glycemic levels with respondents receiving adequate informational- P<0.05, OR 1.92, emotional -P<0.05, OR 3.7, and tangible support -P<0.05, OR 4.1 more likely to have better glycemic control than those with inadequate support.

Conclusion

clients receiving adequate informational, emotional, and tangible social support were 2, 4, and 4 times, respectively, likely to have better glycemic control than those with inadequate support. Of the three types of social support, tangible support was most needed. Ultimately, a greater understanding of these interactions through longitudinal studies is required to identify solutions and optimize glycaemic control for diabetes clients in Kenya and beyond.

Diabetes care cascade and associated factors in 10 700 middle-aged adults in four sub-Saharan African countries: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

We investigated progression through the care cascade and associated factors for people with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa to identify attrition stages that may be most appropriate for targeted intervention.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Community-based study in four sub-Saharan African countries.

PARTICIPANTS

10 700 individuals, aged 40-60 years.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the diabetes cascade of care defined as the age-adjusted diabetes prevalence (self-report of diabetes, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥7 mmol/L or random plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L) and proportions of those who reported awareness of having diabetes, ever having received treatment for diabetes and those who achieved glycaemic control (FPG <7.2 mmol/L). Secondary outcome measures were factors associated with having diabetes and being aware of the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Diabetes prevalence was 5.5% (95% CI 4.4% to 6.5%). Approximately half of those with diabetes were aware (54%; 95% CI 50% to 58%); 73% (95% CI 67% to 79%) of aware individuals reported ever having received treatment. However, only 38% (95% CI 30% to 46%) of those ever having received treatment were adequately controlled. Increasing age (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1), urban residence (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.6 to 3.5), hypertension (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.5 to 2.4), family history of diabetes (OR 3.9; 95% CI 3.0 to 5.1) and measures of central adiposity were associated with higher odds of having diabetes. Increasing age (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1), semi-rural residence (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.7), secondary education (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.9), hypertension (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.4) and known HIV positivity (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.4) were associated with greater likelihood of awareness of having diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

There is attrition at each stage of the diabetes care cascade in sub-Saharan Africa. Public health strategies should target improving diagnosis in high-risk individuals and intensifying therapy in individuals treated for diabetes.

Determinants of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Poor glycemic control is one of the most determinant factors for type 2 diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. The proportion of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor glycemic control remains high. Yet evidence on factors contributing to poor glycemic control remains scarce. The aim of this study is to identify determinants of poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a diabetes mellitus clinic in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia Determinants of Poor Glycemic Control among Type 2 Diabetes mellitus Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from June to September 2020. Using convenience sampling techniques, a total of 90 cases and 90 controls with type 2 diabetes were recruited. The data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed by Stata version 14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between independent variables and glycemic control. Both 95% CI and p-value<0.05 were used to determine the level and significance, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean age ( ± standard deviations) for the cases and controls were 57.55± 10.42 and 61.03± 8.93% respectively. The determinants of poor glycemic control were age (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR)= 0.08; 95% CI= 0.02-0.33), inadequate physical exercise (AOR = 5.05; 95% CI = 1.99-11.98), presence of comorbidities (AOR = 5.50; 95% CI = 2.06-14.66), non-adherence to anti-diabetes medications (AOR= 2.76; 95% CI= 1.19-6.40), persistent proteinuria (AOR=4.95; 95% CI=1.83-13.36) and high-density lipoprotein less than 40 mg/dl (AOR=3.08; 95% CI= 1.30-7.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Age less than 65 years, inadequate physical exercise, presence of comorbidities, non-adherence to anti-diabetes medications, persistent proteinuria, and high-density lipoprotein less than 40 mg/dl were the determinants of poor glycemic control. Therefore, targeted educational and behavioral modification programs on adequate exercise and medication adherence should be routinely practiced. Furthermore, early guideline-based screening and treatment of comorbidities and complications is required to effectively manage diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence of Glycemic Control and Factors Associated With Poor Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The primary method for preventing health and health-related problems in diabetic people is glycemic control. Numerous studies have documented the importance of glycemic control and the factors that influence it. However, the results are dispersed. This study sought to identify the prevalence of poor glycemic control and associated factors in Ethiopia. Findings will be crucial to reduce the burden of poor glycemic control. Comprehensive search was performed from databases: PubMed, Global Health, CINAHL, IRIS, and FSTA. Gray literature sources were also explored. This document was prepared based on the PRISMA flowchart. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022296583). STATA software was used for data analyses and I2 test with Cochrane Q statistics, and forest plot were used to verify heterogeneity. When the I2 value was higher than 50% and the p-value was 0.05, heterogeneity was deemed significant. To confirm publication bias, a funnel plot with an Egger's regression test was performed. The factors related to poor glycemic control were reported using pooled odds ratios (POR) and a 95% confidence interval. In this study, 46 papers totaling 15 457 people were used to calculate the pooled estimates. It was determined that 32.6% (95% CI: 28.3, 36.9) and 61.92% (95% CI: 57.92, 65.92) of the subjects, respectively, had good and poor glycemic control. Being male protected against poor glycemic control, while poor diet adherence, lack of exercise, poor adherence to anti-diabetic medications, and smoking increased the likelihood of poor glycemic control. Lack of formal education, no family history of diabetes, lack of glucometer for blood glucose monitoring, comorbidity, being overweight and prolonged length of stay with diabetes all contributed to poor glycemic control. Ethiopia had a fairly high rate of poor glycemic control. The main determinants are lifestyle factors. Therefore, it is important to focus on behavioral interventions.

Waist-to-hip circumference and waist-to-height ratio could strongly predict glycemic control than body mass index among adult patients with diabetes in Ethiopia: ROC analysis

Background

Poorly controlled blood glucose is prevalent and contributes to the huge burden of diabetes related morbidity, and central obesity has a great role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its adverse complications, which could predict such risks, yet evidence is lacking. Hence, this paper is to evaluate the predictive performance of central obesity indices for glycemic control among adult patients with diabetes in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A survey of 432 randomly chosen patients with diabetes was conducted using a pretested questionnaire supplemented by chart review, anthropometrics, and biomarkers by trained data collectors. The poor glycemic control was assessed using a fasting blood glucose (FBS) level of above 130 and/or an HgA1c level above 7%. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured under standard procedures and we calculated waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to assess the predictive performance of obesity indices for glycemic control using area under the curve (AUC) and corresponding validity measures.

Results

A total of 432 (92%) patients with diabetes were enrolled with a mean age of 49.6 (±12.4) years. The mean fasting blood glucose level was 189 (±72) mg dl-1 where 330 (76.4%) (95% CI: 74.4–78.4%) and 93.3% of them had poor glycemic control based on FBS and HgA1c, respectively. WC (AUC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85–0.95), WHR (AUC = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43–0.84), and WHtR (AUC = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.83–0.94) have a higher predictive performance for poor glycemic control at cut-off points above 100 cm, 0.95, and 0.62, respectively. However, obesity indices showed a lower predictive performance for poor glycemic control based on FBS. Body mass index (BMI) had a poor predictive performance for poor glycemic control (AUC = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.13–0.40).

Conclusions

Poor glycemic control is a public health concern and obesity indicators, typically WC, WHR, and WHtR, have a better predictive performance for poor glycemic control than BMI.

Time to first optimal glycemic control and its predictors among type 1 diabetic children in Bahir Dar city public referral hospitals, North West Ethiopia: a retrospective follow up study

Background

Recognizing the level of glycemic control of a client is an important measure/tool to prevent acquiring complications and risk of death from diabetes. However, the other most important variable, which is the time that the patient stayed in that poor glycemic level before reaching optimal glycemic control, has not been studied so far. Therefore, this study aim to estimate time to first optimal glycemic control and identify predictors among type 1 diabetic children in Bahir Dar city public referral hospitals, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

A Retrospective cohort study was conducted at Bahir Dar city public referral hospitals among a randomly selected sample of 385 patients with type 1 diabetes who were on follow up from January 1, 2016 to February30, 2021.Data were collected by using a data abstraction tool and then entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported into STATA 14.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan Meier plots and median survival times, Log-rank test and Cox-proportional hazard regression were used for reporting the findings of this study. After performing Cox-proportional hazard regression, model goodness-of-fit and assumptions were checked. Finally, the association between independent variables and time to first optimal glycemic control in months was assessed using the multivariable Cox Proportional Hazard model and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

Median survival time to first optimal glycemic control among type 1 diabetic clients was 8 months (95%CI: 6.9–8.9). The first optimal glycemic achievement rate was 8.2 (95%CI: 7.2–9.2) per 100 person/month observation. Factors that affect time to first optimal glycemic control were age > 10–14 years (AHR = 0.32;95%CI = 0.19–0.55), increased weight (AHR = 0.96;95%CI = 0.94–0.99), having primary care giver (AHR = 2.09;95%CI = 1.39–3.13), insulin dose (AHR = 1.05;95%CI = 1.03–1.08), duration of diabetes ≥4 years (AHR = 0.64;95%CI = 0.44–0.94), adherence to diabetic care (AHR = 9.72;95%CI = 6.09–15.51), carbohydrate counting (AHR = 2.43;95%CI = 1.12–5.26), and comorbidity (AHR = 0.72;95%CI = 0.53–0.98).

Conclusion

The median survival time to first optimal glycemic control in this study was long. Age, weight, primary care giver, insulin dose, duration of diabetes, adherence, and carbohydrate counting, including history of comorbidity were determinant factors. Giving attention for overweight and comorbid illness prevention, increasing either the dose or frequency of insulin during initial treatment; counseling parent (for both the mother and father) about adherence to diabetic care focusing on insulin drugs and how to audit their children’s diet as prescription helps to reduce the length of glycemic control.

Glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients in sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is an increased burden of diabetes globally including in sub-Saharan Africa. The literature shows that glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients is poor in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the factors influencing glycaemic control in this region is therefore important to develop interventions to optimize glycaemic control. We carried out a systematic review to determine the prevalence and factors associated with glycaemic control in sub-Saharan Africa to inform the development of a glycaemic control framework in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

METHODS

We searched five databases (African Index Medicus, Africa-Wide Information, Global Health, PubMed, and Web of Science) using the following search terms: type-2 diabetes, glycaemic control, and sub-Saharan Africa. Only peer-reviewed articles from January 2012 to May 2022 were eligible for this review. Two reviewers, independently, selected articles, assessed their methodological quality using Joanna Briggs checklists, and extracted data. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of glycaemic control. Factors associated with glycaemic control were presented as a narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity as assessed by the I².

RESULTS

A total of 74 studies, involving 21,133 participants were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of good glycaemic control was 30% (95% CI:27.6-32.9). The glycaemic control prevalence ranged from 10-60%. Younger and older age, gender, lower income, absence of health insurance, low level of education, place of residence, family history of diabetes, longer duration of diabetes, pill burden, treatment regimen, side effects, use of statins or antihypertensives, alcohol consumption, smoking, presence of comorbidities/complications, and poor management were associated with poor glycaemic control. On the other hand, positive perceived family support, adequate coping strategies, high diabetes health literacy, dietary adherence, exercise practice, attendance to follow-up, and medication adherence were associated with good glycaemic control.

CONCLUSION

Suboptimal glycaemic control is pervasive among patients with type-2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa and poses a significant public health challenge. While urgent interventions are required to optimize glycaemic control in this region, these should consider sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical, and treatment-related factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is registered in PROSPERO under CRD 42021237941.

Poor glycemic control and associated factors among pediatric diabetes mellitus patients in northwest Ethiopia, 2020: facility-based cross sectional retrospective study design

Diabetes mellitus is a global public health problem. Glycemic control is a major public health problem. Diabetes results from elevated levels of glycaemia such as increased glucose and glycated hemoglobin, and controlling glycaemia is an integral component of the management of diabetes. Glycemic control in children is particularly difficult to achieve. Identifying determinants of poor glycemic control is important for early modification of diabetic related end organ damages. This study was aimed to assess the status of glycemic control and associated factors among pediatric diabetes mellitus patients in northwest Ethiopia. Facility-based cross sectional retrospective cohort study design was used and this study was conducted from September, 2015 to February, 2018. Simple random sampling was used to select 389 samples. Data were collected using an extraction checklist. Data were entered into Epi-data − 4.6, and analyzed using Stata-16. Finally, multivariable binary logistic regression was done. Poor glycemic control was more common among pediatric patients 39.3% (95% CI 34.6, 44.3). Treatment discontinuation (AOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.25, 4.69), age (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03, 1.28) and treatment dose (AOR 0.96, 95 CI 0.92, 0.99) were significantly associated with poor glycemic control. Prevalence of poor glycemic control was high. Patient’s age, history of treatment discontinuation and dose of treatment were the significant contributing factors to poor glycemic control. These need to be addressed to attain the objective of adequate glycemic control.

Correlates of Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Eastern Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Even though optimal blood glucose control reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications, many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) fail to achieve it for a variety of reasons. In the study area, there was a paucity of evidence regarding correlates of glycemic control. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the correlates of glycemic control among patients with T2D in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 879 adult patients with T2D on follow-up at two public hospitals in Harar. Data were collected through interviews, physical measurements, and record reviews. The level of glycemic control was determined from three consecutive fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurements. A mean value of FPG measurements falling in the normal range (80-130 mg/dl) was considered as optimal glycemic control; otherwise, a mean FPG level that is below or above the normal range (<80 mg/dl or >130 mg/dl) was defined as suboptimal glycemic control. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while a linear regression model was used to find out the correlates of glycemic control. A beta coefficient and a 95% CI reported associations. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value ≤0.05.

Results

The mean age of the patients with T2D was 52.7 ( ± 13.3) years. The mean FPG level was 172 ± 56 mg/dl. Suboptimal glycemic control was found in 76% (95% CI: 73.41, 79.04) of patients with T2D. In a multivariable linear regression, khat chewing (β = 6.12; 95% CI: 1.55, 8.69), triglycerides (β = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41.48, 0.65), comorbidity (β = 5.29; 95% CI: 1.39, 9.13), and poor level of self-care practices (β = 5.43; 95% CI: 1.41, 6.46) showed a significant correlation with glycemic control.

Conclusions

This study found that about three-fourths of patients with T2D had suboptimal glycemic control. Khat chewing, comorbidity, and poor level of self-care practices were independently correlated with glycemic control. Thus, suppressing glycemic levels through appropriate treatment and strict diabetes self-care practices including avoidance of Khat chewing is a useful approach to attaining glycemic target that subsequently reduces cardiovascular risks.

Self-care practice and glycemic Control among type 2 diabetes patients on follow up in a developing country: a prospective observational study

Purpose

The main goal of managing diabetes is to achieve glycemic control. However, the glycemic level of most diabetic patients is shown to be poorly controlled mainly due to poor adherence to self-care practices. This study aims to assess the level of self-care practice and glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients on follow up in a resource limited country.

Methods

A four-month prospective observational study was conducted among type 2 diabetes patients from February 1 to May 30, 2021. Data was collected using a data abstraction checklist and structured questionnaire. The data was entered into Epidata version 4.4.6 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Glycemic control and its predictors were determined using binary logistic regression. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 138 patients were included in the study. Nearly three-fourths (74.6%) of patients had poor glycemic control and the majority of patients had poor self-care practice. 78.3%, 98.6%, 96.4%, and 55.8% of patients had poor adherence to diet, exercise, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and medications respectively. Importantly, 85(79%), 102(75%), 99(74.4%), and 65(84.4%) patients with poor adherence to diet, physical activity, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and antidiabetic medications had poor glycemic control. On multivariate logistic regression, BMI (AOR 4.1, CI:1.20-14.11, p = 0.024) and drug adherence (AOR 3.08, CI:1.22-7.08, p = 0.017) were factors associated with poor glycemic control.

Conclusions

A higher proportion of patients had low-level of self-care practice and poor glycemic control. This highlights the need to improve patients' awareness about the importance of self-care practice to maintain good glycemic control and prevent adverse outcomes associated with the disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-00995-4.

The effect of COVID-19 on poor treatment control among ambulatory Hypertensive and/or Diabetic patients in Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Diabetes and hypertension have emerged as important clinical and public health problems in Ethiopia. The need to have long-term sustainable healthcare services for patients with diabetes and hypertension is essential to enhance good treatment control among those patients and subsequently delay or prevent complications. A collective shift towards acute care for COVID-19 patients combined with different measures to contain the pandemic had disrupted ambulatory care. Hence, it is expected to have a significant impact on treatment control of hypertensive and diabetic patients. However, there is limited evidence on the effect of the pandemic on treatment control and its determinants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment control of ambulatory Hypertensive and Diabetic patients and identify the factors for poor treatment control in North West Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective chart review and cross-sectional survey design were conducted between December 2020 and February 2021. Using a stratified systematic random sampling technique, 836 diabetic and/or hypertensive patients were included in the study. Web-based data collection was done using Kobo collect. The changes in the proportion of poor treatment control among ambulatory Hypertensive and/or Diabetic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period were assessed. A multivariable binary logistic regression mixed model was fitted to identify the determinants of poor treatment control. The odds ratios were reported in both crude and adjusted form, together with their 95% confidence intervals and p-values.

Result

Poor treatment control increased significantly from 24.81% (21.95, 27.92) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to 30.33% (27.01, 33.88), 35.66% (32.26, 39.20), 36.69% (33.40, 40.12), and 34.18% (3102, 37.49) in the first, second, third, and fourth months following the date of the first COVID-19 case detection in Ethiopia, respectively. Marital status (AOR = 0.56, 95%CI; 0.41, 0.74), regimen of medication administration (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI; 1.02, 166), daily (AOR = 0.12, 95%CI; 0.08, 0.20), twice (AOR = 0.42, 95%CI; 0.30. 0.59), and three times (AOR = 0.31, 95%CI; 0.21, 0.47) frequency of medication, number medications taken per day (AOR = 0.79, 95%CI;0.73, 0.87), patients habits like hazardous alcohol use (AOR = 1.29, 95%CI; 1.02, 1.65) and sedentary lifestyle (AOR = 1.72,95%CI;1.46, 2.02), missed appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI; 1.79, 2.45), and presence of disease related complication (AOR = 1.11, 95%CI; 0.93, 1.34) were significantly associated with poor treatment control among Diabetic and/or hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on ambulatory Diabetic and/or Hypertensive patients’ treatment control. Being married, as well as the frequency and types of medicines taken per day were all found to be negatively associated with poor treatment control. During the COVID -19 pandemic, patients’ habits such as hazardous alcohol use and sedentary lifestyle, longer follow-up time, having disease-related complication (s), patients taking injectable medication, number of medications per day, and missed appointments were positively associated with poor treatment control in ambulatory diabetic and hypertensive patients. Therefore, it is better to consider the risk factors of poor treatment control while designing and implementing policies and strategies for chronic disease control.

Visual functional defects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a questionnaire based cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on visual functions, identify different modifiers as risk or protective factors, and find out how these factors affect patients' visual symptoms and visual functions as a whole.

METHODS

We performed an online survey among 1030 participants (400 patients, 630 non-patients). Demographic features and severity of disease were documented, while visual functions were evaluated using National Eye Institute Visual Functioning questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). Independent t-test, analysis of variance, linear and nonlinear regression models were used to assess all data.

RESULTS

Scores other than color vision among T2DM patients were significantly lower compared with non-T2DM participants. There was significant difference after stratification of age and education, but no significant difference between different genders was observed. Parameters including duration of T2DM, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) negatively impacted on the scores, with 20 years' of diabetic duration, 10 mmol/L of FPG, 7.5% of HbA1c being potential cut-off points. Poorer best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy were risk factors, while they simultaneously produced mediation effect, contributing 5%-78% of effect in the deterioration of visual functions caused by longer diabetic duration and higher blood glucose.

CONCLUSION

Significant visual impairments and faster deterioration in visual functions were seen in T2DM patients, with older age, lower educational level, longer diabetic duration, poorer blood glucose administration, limited BCVA, and the presence of diabetic retinopathy identified as risk factors. Average BCVA and diabetic retinopathy also yielded mediation effect as diabetic duration lengthened and blood glucose elevated.

Upper-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Associated Factors Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Globally, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health, causing functional disability among those affected. Among the common diabetes mellitus-related complications, musculoskeletal disorders had a significant negative impact on the social health quality of life and productivity of individuals. Evidence in this regard, however, is scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and identifying factors associated in people with diabetes in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was employed at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from June 01 to August 30, 2020, among 413 participants. A systematic random sampling was employed to select the study participants. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics. Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed through clinical and physical examination. A logistic regression model was used to explore factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

RESULT

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among diabetes mellitus patients was 24% (95% CI 20, 28.3). In logistic regression, factors such as being female, older age, occupation (farmer, merchant, and retired), and long duration of diabetes were significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

CONCLUSION

Nearly one quarter of the study participants had musculoskeletal disorders. Special attention should be given for those individuals living with diabetes mellitus, particularly for those who are female, are older, and had a prolonged history of diabetes mellitus.

Magnitude and factors associated with anemia among diabetic patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:

In Ethiopia, diabetes is estimated to affect about half a million people. About 35% of individuals with diabetes are complicated by microvascular diseases like retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular, and anemia. Even though there are some studies conducted on prevalence and associated factors of anemia in diabetic patients, their findings were variable. Therefore, this meta-analysis is aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and factors associated with anemia among diabetic patients.

Methods:

PubMed, CINAHL, POPLINE, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify related studies. The heterogeneity of studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I² tests. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Publication bias was evaluated by employing Egger’s tests.

Results:

After reviewing 503 articles, 6 articles fulfilled inclusion criteria and remained for the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among diabetic patients was 24.81% (95% confidence interval: 19.38–30.25). Age greater than 60 years old (pooled odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 3.73 (2.23–6.77)), glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (pooled odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 12.65 (8.71–18.37)), and being diabetic for more than 10 years (pooled odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 10.21 (7.00–15.04)) were found to be determinants of anemia among diabetic patients in Ethiopia.

Conclusion:

Overall, one in four diabetic patients develops anemia in Ethiopia. Age, glomerular filtration rate, and duration of being diabetic are factors significantly associated with the occurrence of anemia in diabetic patients.

Identification and resolution of drug-related problems among diabetic patients attending a referral hospital: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

People living with diabetes are more vulnerable to drug-related problems due to the presence of multiple diseases. This study aimed to identify drug-related problems and contributing factors among diabetic patients.

METHODS

This study used a prospective observational study design. The study was conducted among diabetic patients during follow-up at Mettu Karl Referral Hospital from 15 April to 09 August 2019. The consecutive sampling was utilized to collect data. The identification of drug-related problems was performed using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe version 8.03. Following data collection, data were entered into Epidata manager version 4.4.2 and exported to the SPSS version 24.0 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of drug-related problems.

RESULTS

A total of 330 people with diabetes were included in the study, among whom 279 (84.5%) had at least one drug-related problem. A total of 455 drug-related problems were identified. Effects of drug treatment not being optimal (52.7%) and untreated symptoms or indications (30.1%) were the most commonly identified drug-related problems. About 865 interventions were provided for identified drug-related problems and 79.8% was accepted. Diabetes duration [Formula: see text] years [AOR = 2.02; 95% CI (1.06, 3.85); p = 0.033] and the presence of comorbidity [AOR: 2.33; 95% CI (1.18, 4.60); p = 0.015] were factors identified as predictors of drug-related problems.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified that drug-related problems are common among diabetic patients. Effects of drug treatment not being optimal and untreated symptoms or indications were the most commonly identified drug-related problems. Longer diabetes duration and the presence of comorbidities were predictors of drug-related problems.

Effect of Pharmacist-Led Intervention on Progression of Diabetic Complications at Two Tertiary Care Hospitals of Malaysia

Background and Objective

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which can lead to different complications in patients if not treated properly. An appropriate intervention from health care providers is needed to stop and decrease the progression of diabetic complication in diabetic patients. This study aimed to measure the effect of pharmacist intervention on improvement in sign and symptoms and progression of diabetic complications in diabetic patients.

Methodology

Diabetic patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups from two tertiary care hospitals. Control group contained those 200 patients who were receiving usual treatment from hospitals. In contrast, the intervention group included those 200 patients who were receiving conventional treatment from hospitals together with separate counselling sessions with pharmacists from Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic departments. The study continued for 1 year and two follow-up visits for both groups. A prevalidated data collection form was used to measure the improvement in sign and symptoms and progression of diabetic complication in diabetic patients. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyze the data.

Results

The average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values decreased up to 1.43% in the control group and 2.82% in the intervention group. The intervention group showed significant improvement in HbA1c between groups (P < 0.05). The results of univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that a statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement was observed in all the predictors of diabetic complications among in the intervention group when compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Statistically significant reduction in the sign and symptoms of diabetic complications was observed in the intervention group at the end of 1 year. The progression of diabetic neuropathy was significantly reduced in the pharmacist intervention group.

Diabetic Distress Among Diabetic Patients in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Diabetes distress is a psychological reaction to the threat of diabetes, when an individuals diagnosed with diabetes consider the coping resources they possess as insufficient to manage the illness threat, thus triggering emotional distress specific to diabetes. Research conducted in Ethiopia regarding diabetes-related distress is scant. The main purpose of this study was to assess the status of diabetic distress among diabetic patients in the hospitals of the Amhara Region. A hospital-based cross-sectional survey research approach was employed. A total of 14 hospitals was included in the study using stratified simple random sample methods. The participans of the study were 532 diabetic patients who were selected using systematic simple random sampling methods. The pertinent data were collected using diabetic distress scale-17 (DDS-17). The instrument of the study was rated, piloted, and finally validated. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were used to analyze the data. The cutoff for low, moderate, and high distress level was <2, 2-2.9, and >3, respectively. The study revealed that the participant in the study area experienced a moderate level of distress. The status of diabetic distress for the diabetic sub-scale was also determined for emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress, and interpersonal distress, it was also found to be (2.79 ± 0.85), (3.14 ± 0.87), (3.19 ± 0.81), and (3.04 ± 0.93) respectively. The most important domain in measuring diabetic distress was regimen-related distress. Statistically, a significant difference was detected in the level of diabetic distress among diabetic patients concerning marital status, educational status, the experience of living with diabetes, and having habits of planned physical exercise. Statistically, a significant difference was not observed for age, sex, and occupational status. Diabetic distress was a solemn psychological problem among diabetic patients in the hospitals of the Amhara Region. A strong policy document is required to bind the physical treatment with psychological elements to reduce distress.

Magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control among patients with diabetes attending public hospitals of Western Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally, which rapidly is increasing in developing countries. Ethiopia is also facing growing morbidity and mortality related to diabetes complications. Thus, dealing with glycemic control is essential for controlling the development of devastating acute and chronic complications related to diabetes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the magnitude and predictors of poor glycemic control among diabetic patients in western Ethiopia.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study design was employed on a sample of 423 diabetic patients. A systematic random sampling method was employed. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used. The data entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences window version 24 for analysis. All variables significant at p-<0.25 in bivariate were entered into multivariate analysis. The multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine predictors' poor glycemic control by considering the Adjusted Odds Ratio at CI 95% and the significance level was set at p <0.05.

RESULTS

The magnitude of poor glycemic control was 64.1%. Being females (AOR = 1.684,95%CI = 1.066,2.662), duration of diabetes >8years (AOR = 2.552,95%CI = 1.397, 4.665), presence of diabetes complication (AOR = 2.806,95%CI = 1.594,4.941), negligence of blood glucose test at home (AOR = 1.720, 95%CI = 1.078, 2.743), poor self-care behavior (AOR = 1.787, 95%CI = 1.083,2.959) and poor self-efficacy (AOR = 1.934, 95%CI = 1.078,3.469) were significant predictors of poor glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of poor glycemic control was high which was nearly comparable to that reported from many countries. This could be due to factors that were significantly associated with poor glycemic control like lack of home blood glucose test, increased duration of diabetes, presence of diabetes complications, poor self-efficacy, and poor self-care behaviors. Each were significant independent predictors of poor glycemic control. Thus, we recommend patients with diabetes and health care providers enhancing self-monitoring practices, and preventing potential complications should be a priority concern to improve blood glucose levels. Further studies are also recommended to explore important factors which were not identified by the current study.

Barriers to Diabetes Patients' Self-Care Practices in Eastern Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study from the Health Care Providers Perspective

BACKGROUND

All types of diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and increase the overall risk of disability and premature death. Diabetes mellitus requires a range of self-care practices, scientifically recommended to control the glycemic level and maintain the patient's health. However, perceived barriers that hinder patients from fully implementing these diabetes self-care practices and obstacles have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the barriers to diabetes patients' self-care practices from the perspective of health care providers in two public hospitals in Harar City, Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Researchers conducted an exploratory qualitative study among 26 health care providers working in two public hospitals from March to June 2021. The study participants were recruited from different disciplines working on diabetes care. Interviews were conducted in the Amharic language until the saturation point was reached. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and translated to English. Each transcript was read, re-read, and then exported to ATLAS.ti 7 software for coding. Field notes were used to supplement verbatim transcriptions. Initial codes were generated. The consistency between the two coders and their alignment with research questions were checked and applied to all subsequent transcripts after reached on consensus. The thematic analysis was employed in line with the primary set research question.

RESULTS

Researchers identified barriers to diabetes patients' self-care practices such as system, health care providers, and patient-level. These barriers were categorized under three main themes: lack of organized diabetes care services, limited collaborative care practices, and perceived lack of knowledge on self-care practices. In addition, the lack of multidisciplinary team care, lack of training for health care providers on diabetes self-care practices, and availability of laboratory tests and diabetes medication were prominent barriers.

CONCLUSION

Multi-level barriers to diabetes patients' self-care practices such as system, health care providers, and patients were identified. Therefore, interventions targeting proper service integration, building providers' and patients' capacity on diabetes self-care practices, and ensuring the sustainability of laboratory tests and medication supplies are essential. These interventions need to be accomplished through multi-level stakeholders' engagement and one-to-one or group interventions covering the multi-level challenges.

Predictors of Poor Plasma Glucose Maintenance in Type II Diabetic People with Ophthalmic Complication: The Case of Dessie Hospitals in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus, the commonest metabolic disorder, leads to cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems, kidney injury, and visual disturbances. Such complications can be prevented by maintaining plasma glucose level in the normal range, including ophthalmic complications. Hence, this study intended to pinpoint predictors of poor plasma glucose maintenance in type II DM people with ophthalmic complication.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey using simple random sampling approach to recruit participants. An interviewer-based questionnaire was used and ophthalmic complication was determined by visual acuity test. We used statistical package for social sciences version 23 to analyze the data and descriptive statistics were calculated. Predictors were ascertained using multivariable logistic regression at p≤0.05. Besides, AOR with 95% CI was also estimated to show extent of association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of poor plasma glucose maintenance was 65.1% (56.6-73.6). Poor plasma maintenance was predicted by the absence of formal education (OR: 0.67; 0.20-2.23), DM history of family members (OR=4.29; 1.33-13.83), longer duration of diabetes (OR: 3.02; 1.09-8.63), insulin use (OR=10.05; 2.72-52.35), and less physical exercise (OR=2.91; 1.47-5.76).

CONCLUSION

Study subjects with no education, DM history of family members, prolonged DM, insulin medication, and inadequate exercise had higher rate of poor plasma glucose maintenance. Health professionals should educate patients on the importance of self-adherence to plasma glucose monitoring, and encourage them to practice recommended physical activity.

Prevalence, Patterns and Predictors of Chronic Complications of Diabetes Mellitus at a Large Referral Hospital in Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE

Diabetes mellitus complications are responsible for increased disability, morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess prevalence, patterns, and predictors of chronic complications of diabetes among people with diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was conducted using a prospective observational study design which was done on people with diabetes attending the ambulatory clinic of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital. The data were collected using a consecutive type of sampling technique from April 15 to August 9, 2019. The data were entered into Epidata manager version 4.4.2. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of chronic complications of diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 330 participants were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 49.9±14.2, and 156 (47.3%) were 41 to 60 years old. About 127 (38.5%) had one or more chronic complications. The predictors of chronic diabetes complications were resident in urban areas [AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: (1.17, 3.20); p = 0.010], duration of diabetes 10 years [AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: (1.21, 3.47); p = 0.007], hypertension [AOR: 4.19; 95% CI: (2.54, 6.91); p < 0.001] and poor glycemic control [AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: (1.53, 5.21); p = 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Almost two-fifth of the study participants had chronic complications of diabetes. Residents in urban areas, longer duration of diabetes, hypertension and poor glycemic control were predictors of chronic diabetes complications. It is important to achieve good glycemic control and manage comorbid diseases like hypertension to minimize the risk of chronic diabetes complications.

Evaluation of glycemic control status and its associated factors among diabetes patients on follow-up at referral hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study, 2020

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is one of the rapidly growing global health concerns of the twenty-first century ravaging millions of individuals from all across the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate glycemic control status and its associated factors among diabetes patients on follow-up at referral hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetes patients between February and June 2020. Four hundred twenty-three randomly selected adult patients were enrolled. Using standardized questionnaire, sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical data were collected. Lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, and anthropometric indicators were determined. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULT

The magnitude of suboptimal glycemic control was 73.5% (95% CI: 69.29%, 77.71%) among diabetic patients. Marital status [AOR (95% CI) 0.45 (0.20, 0.99), p < 0.05], medication non-adherence [poor: AOR (95% CI) 3.55 (1.81, 6.98)], duration with diabetes mellitus [AOR (95% CI) 3.16 (1.89, 5.28), p < 0.05], type of diabetes (type II referent) [AOR (95% CI) 2.53 (1.47,4.37), p < 0.05], and no use of other drugs [AOR (95% CI) 1.76 (1.05,2.96), p < 0.05] were significantly associated with suboptimal glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

A considerable number of patients with diabetes had suboptimal glycemic control. The suboptimal glycemic control has been contributed by marital status, medication non-adherence, duration with diabetes mellitus, type of diabetes and use of other drugs. These highlights the need for tailored management focusing on the identified associated factors to maintain good glycemic control.

Prevalent, uncontrolled, and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus among urban adults in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: A population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Globally, 8.8% of adults were estimated to have diabetes mellitus, with the low-and middle-income countries sharing the largest burden. However, the research evidence for targeted interventions is lacking in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, disaggregated by the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus morbidity and associated factors among adults in Dire Dawa town, Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

Data from a total of 872 randomly sampled adults aged 25-64 years were obtained for analysis using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factors surveillance instruments. We estimated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus disaggregated by the previous diabetes mellitus diagnosis status and by the current blood sugar level control status. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify correlates of diabetes mellitus, along with STATA version 14.2 for data management and analysis. All statistical tests were declared significant at p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

14.9% (95% confidence interval: 12.1, 17.4) of adults aged 25-64 years had diabetes mellitus in the study sample with 58.5% (95% confidence interval: 49.7, 66.7) on diabetes mellitus medication. Among adults currently taking diabetes mellitus medications, 30.3% (95% confidence interval: 19.8, 45.6) had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The magnitude of previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus was 6.2% (95% confidence interval: 4.8, 8.0) in the study sample and 41.5% (95% confidence interval: 33.3, 50.3) among the diabetics. The odds of diabetes mellitus were higher among adults over the age of 55 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.6), currently married adults (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 4.4), and overweight adults (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1, 2.1). Adults with primary education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.4, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.8) and no formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.9) had lower odds of diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among adults was high in Dire Dawa, with a third of the diabetics having poor control of their blood sugar levels and, nearly four in ten were previously undiagnosed. Adults who were overweight, currently married, and those over 55 years need to be targeted for regular diabetes health checkups and community-based screening. Also, a mechanism should be instituted to track a patient's adherence to medications and promote diabetes self-care management.

Glycated hemoglobin A1C level and the risk of diabetic retinopathy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diabetic retinopathy is a frequent cause of acquired blindness worldwide. Various studies have reported the effects of glycemic control on the risk of diabetic retinopathy, but the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to determine the association between glycated hemoglobin A1C levels and diabetic retinopathy in Africa.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed using the PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Wiley Online Library from inception to June 11, 2020, for observational studies addressing the association of hemoglobin A1c levels with diabetic retinopathy. The I² statistic was used to check heterogeneity across the included studies. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size (OR) and respective 95% confidence interval across studies. A funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to determine the presence of publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine the effect of a single study on the overall estimation. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA™ Version 14 software.

RESULT

A total of 23 articles with 18,099 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. In the present review, when HbA1c was analyzed as a categorical variable, poor glycemic control (HbA1c >7%) was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy when compared with good glycemic control (OR = 1.25; 95% CI; 1.14, 1.38). Similarly, when HbA1c was analyzed as a continuous variable, a higher HbA1c was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy (MD: 0.42, 95% CI; 0.11, 0.98).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis indicated evidence for poor glycemic control as an independent risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the authors suggest that clinicians should advise their patients with diabetes to maintain their HbA1c levels within the normal range.

Association of Health Literacy and Nutritional Status Assessment with Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

While the role of medical and nutrition factors on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been well-established, the association between health literacy (H.L.) and glycemic control is inconsistent. This study aims to determine the association of H.L. and nutritional status assessments with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 280 T2DM respondents (mean (SD) age = 49.7 (10.3) years, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) = 9.9 (2.6) %, and Body Mass Index = 32.7 (15.1) kg/m²) were included in this study. A short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) assessed the H.L. levels. Nutritional status assessments included client history, glycemic control, anthropometric, and biochemical data. The mean (S.D.) H.L. score was 45.7 (24.6), with 56% of the respondents had inadequate H.L. Inadequate H.L. was more common among those females; housewives, low education, received oral antidiabetic therapy, and shorter diabetes duration. Respondents with inadequate H.L. were significantly older and had higher HbA1c than those with marginal and adequate H.L. Meanwhile, respondents with inadequate and marginal H.L. levels had significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure than the respondents with adequate H.L. Low H.L. scores, self-employment status, received dual antidiabetic therapy (insulin with oral agents), received insulin alone, and had higher fasting blood glucose explained about 21% of the total variation in HbA1c (adjusted R² = 0.21; p < 0.001). Respondents with inadequate H.L. had poor glycemic control. The H.L. scores, together with nutritional status assessments, were the factors that predicted poor glycemic control among adults with T2DM.

Atypical Diabetes Presentations in Sub-Saharan Africa Classification Puzzle and Possible Role of Precision Medicine

Precision in the diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus, a complex heterogeneous disease is increasingly required to achieve treatment goals and prevent complications. Several reviews over decades have not completely solved the diabetes classification puzzle. African clinicians are sometimes confronted with the difficulty of classifying a newly diagnosed diabetes patient presenting atypically. These unusual presentations fall into those with diagnosis of either clinical type 1 or 2 diabetes but having some diagnostic and/or therapeutic features at variance with what are seen in the Western nations, those with tropical diabetes and those known as ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPD). Reports from many African countries indicate that patients do not fit the classic pattern seen in the Western nations. In recent times, there has been groundswell of pressures and proposed models to evolve a more accurate classification of diabetes and the recent 2019 WHO diabetes classification seems to have acknowledged and accommodated these concerns. Perhaps advances in genomic knowledge could help with precision in diabetes classification, especially in Africa. This review seeks to highlight the challenges often encountered with classifying diabetes patients in Africa, and proffer suggestions on the way forward including possible benefit from advances in molecular genomics.

Glycemic Control and its Predictors among Adult Diabetic Patients attending Mettu Karl Referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

The current estimate is that 463 million people worldwide have diabetes. In 2017, an estimated 5 million (9.9%) deaths worldwide among adults were caused by diabetes. The burden of disease associated with uncontrolled diabetes is substantial in terms of mortality and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess glycemic control level and its predictors among adult patients with diabetes.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted among patients with diabetes during follow-up at an ambulatory clinic of Mettu Karl referral hospital from 15 April to 09 August 2019. The consecutive sampling method was used to collect data, following which the data were entered into Epidata manager version 4.4.2 and exported to the SPSS version 24.0 statistical software package for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poor glycemic control. Variables whose significance level was < 0.05 (p value) were considered to be predictors of poor glycemic control.

RESULTS

A total of 330 diabetic patients were included in the study, among whom 240 (72.7%) had poor glycemic control. The predictors of poor glycemic control in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were overweight [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60, 10.36; p = 0.003], obesity (AOR 4.39; 95% CI 1.59, 12.14; p = 0.004), higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (AOR 2.34; 95% CI 1.23, 4.44; p = 0.010), type 1 diabetes (AOR 3.22; 95% CI 1.58, 6.55; p = 0.001), poor diet adherence (AOR 6.95; 95% CI 3.63, 13.32; p < 0.001) and non-adherence to medications (AOR 5.82; 95% CI 2.77, 12.26; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Almost three-quarters of the study population of diabetic patients had poorly controlled blood sugar. Overweight, obesity, higher eGFR, type 1 diabetics, poor adherence to diet recommendation and non-adherence to medications were independent predictors of poor glycemic control. Educational strategies should focus on improving adherence to the recommended diet and medication(s), achieving weight control and optimizing glycemic control.