Diabetic Complications among Adult Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetic complications are becoming common community problems. The outcomes of diabetic complications are increased hospitalization, increased direct patient costs, and mortality. In Dessie, the prevalence of diabetic complications is not well studied so far. Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of diabetic complications and associated factors among adult diabetic patients in north India. Method & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan to March 2020, in the general medicine department. All diabetic patients who visited the clinic during the study period were included. Data was collected using an interview-guided-administered questionnaire. the presence of complications and the type of medications the patient was on were identified through a review of patient records. Results: Eighty-one (81) diabetic patients who came to the follow-up clinic during the 3 months of data collection were included in the study. The majority of the patients (57.4%) were males. The median age of the patients was 45 (±17.677) and they were known diabetic patients for a mean duration of 5.00 (±5.70) years. Complications were strongly associated with the occurrence of diabetic complications but self-reported adherence, attitude, and knowledge level of patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of complications among diabetic patients in Dessie Referral Hospital was high. Targeted counseling and health information provided to the patients by the clinical staff will help reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality in the patients.