Sub-optimal postprandial blood glucose level in diabetics attending the outpatient clinic of a University Hospital
Akbar, D.H.
Saudi Medical Journal 24(10): 1109-1112
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 14578979 Document Number: 559774
Objectives: To determine the frequency of diabetic patients who attained the optimal postprandial blood glucose level. Methods: Cross-sectional study of type-2 diabetic patients being followed at the medical outpatient clinic of King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January 1999 to December 2001. Patients were classified according to postprandial blood glucose level into three categories; group-1 (<9 mmol/litre), group-2 (9.1-10 mmol/litre), group-3 (>10 mmol/litre). Other data such as age, sex, duration of diabetes, presence of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, obesity, ischaemic heart disease was recorded as well as mortality. Results: A total of 443 patients were studied with mean age of 55 years and equal male to female ratio. The mean 2-h postprandial blood glucose level was 14 mmol/litre. The majority of patients were in group-3 (71%), while group-1 was 22% and group-2 was 7%. Patients with high 2-h postprandial blood glucose (group-3) have a higher prevalence of hypertension (120/315, 38% vs. 31/97, 32%; P=0.01), hyperlipidaemia (72/315, 23% vs. 13/97, 13%; P=0.02), obesity (79/315, 25% vs. 18/97, 19%; P=0.04), ischaemic heart disease (72/315, 23% vs. 16/97, 17%; P=0.04) and mortality (35/315, 11% vs. 8/97, 8%; P=0.06) compared to those with controlled level (group-1). Conclusion: A low frequency of diabetics attained the optimal 2-h postprandial blood glucose level. Action should be taken on this crucial issue for the optimal management of diabetes.