Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: It was estimated that about one-sixth of the Libyan population have diabetes mellitus. However, there were no previous studies about the hospitalized patients and clinical presentation and outcomes. In this study.

Aim: We aimed to determine the clinical profile and complications of diabetic patients admitted to the largest diabetic center in Libya and evaluate the mortality and admission pattern.

Methods: Patients with diabetes mellitus were identified from the National Diabetes and Endocrine Center in Tripoli, Libya. A retrospective audit of diabetes mellitus cases was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019. Demographic, clinical, admission, complications, and outcome data were obtained.

Results: One thousand one hundred seventy-seven patients were included; 599 had type 1 diabetes, 575 had type 2 diabetes. The median interquartile range (IQR) of age for the patients was 40 (24 - 59) years. Of those patients, 665 (56.5%) were female and 512 (43.5%) were male. The most common causes of hospitalization were diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (58.6%), hyperglycemia (21.8%), uncontrolled sugar level (11%), hypoglycemia (3.4%), and several other causes. The median (IQR) of fasting blood sugar level was 231 (175 – 298) mg/dl. Approximately 18.3% have concomitant hypertension. Diabetes complications were as follows: hypertensive kidney disease (0.6%), history of cerebrovascular accident (0.8%), hypothyroidism (1.6%), and urinary tract infection (3%). All-cause mortality was 2.8%.

Conclusion: These results indicate substandard diabetic care for patients in Libya. It also outlines a high rate of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition for diabetic patients and requires intensive care that is lacking in Libya. Improvement in emergency care for diabetic patients in Libya is advocated to avoid future morbidity and mortality.