Endocrine Abstracts

Aim: Chronic diabetes complications are the main cause of patients’ mortality, life span shortening and decreased quality of life. Aim of this study is to determine the incidence of chronic diabetic complications and their association with glucoregulation quality and antihyperglycemic treatment in diabetic patients in Republic of Srpska. (RS).

Method: This cross–sectional study included 1037 diabetic patients in RS. Immuno–inhibition test (Roche Diagnostics) was used for measurement of HbA1c. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, screening for chronic complications of diabetes and antihyperglycemic treatment questionnaire were included.

Results: Poor glycemic control (Hba1c ≥6.5%) was found in 61.1% of subjects (χ² = 4.874, df = 1, P = 0.027). The most common complication was microalbuminuria –nephropathy (48.10%), followed by polyneuropathy (42.5%) and retinopathy (25.0%). Polyneuropathy and microalbuminuria were more common in T2D (χ² = 10.217, df = 1, P = 0.001), while retinopathy was more common in T1D. Cardiovascular disease was recorded in 81.4%, significantly more often in women (87.0 vs 75.9%) than men (χ² = 21429, df = 1, P = 0.000). Significantly more men (5.5%) than women (2.3%) had diabetic foot (χ² = 7.237, df = 1, P = 0.007). In patients with T1D on diet and insulin treatment microvascular complications and hypertension were less common compared to patients on insulin only. In T2D the same is found with combination treatment (insulin plus diet and/or oral therapy) compared to oral only treatment.

Conclusion: High percentage of diabetic patients in RS have poor glucoregulation, hypertension, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease . Many studies from developing countries have shown similar results thus underlying the need for implementation of stronger measures for improving glucoregulation and reducing chronic complications.