Abstract

Vascular Complications of Diabetes and its Associated Factors in a Rural Area of Kerala: A Hospital Based Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus, one of the major lifestyle diseases, can lead to vascular complications if not diagnosed and managed early. As important as these complications might be, it is also essential to screen for other potential risk factors. This study aims to assess the prevalence of vascular complications in diabetic patients and associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 3 months among 85 diabetic patients at a tertiary care centre. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data and information on vascular complications was obtained by history taking and reviewing medical records. Data were coded and entered into MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: 81% of the study subjects reported having both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Microvascular complications were reported in 11% and macrovascular complications were reported in 2%. The majority of the study participants reported having diabetic retinopathy (83%), neuropathy (79%), nephropathy (75%), and cardiovascular complications (76%). Having hypertension (p=0.004) and dyslipidemia (p=0.012) as comorbidities was found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of vascular complications in diabetic patients. Conclusions: Higher prevalence of diabetic vascular complications in our study points toward the importance of screening and early detection of the same. Glycemic control, lipid control, and regular blood pressure monitoring are essential in diabetic patients.

• Full-Text
• PDF