The relationship of metabolic and endocrine parameters with associated diseases in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The most common comorbidities in patients with diabetes mellitus are cardiovascular diseases, obesity, dyslipidemia, thyroid disorders but other associated diseases may frequently occur. Laboratory tests are useful investigation methods that may reveal the subclinical manifestations of the disease but they are also essential for patient monitoring. The aim of the study was to assess laboratory parameters and associated diseases in diabetic subjects and to implement a scoring system with a predictive role in the evolution of the cases. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 195 subjects with documented type 1 or type 2 diabetes. About half of the cases were collected from the Procardia outpatient unit, and the rest were patients admitted to the Diabetology Clinic in Tîrgu Mures. The study was performed between January - June 2017. The results of the laboratory tests, as well as the information regarding comorbidities and treatment, was collected and patients’ body mass index was calculated. Based on the clinical data, a scoring system, called Diabetes Complication Severity Index (DCSI) with a predictive role, was implemented. The diabetic outpatients presented significantly better carbohydrate metabolic balance compared to the hospitalized subjects. No significant differences could be observed regarding kidney function, hepatic status and lipid profile of the two subgroups of diabetic subjects. The most important comorbidity observed in both patient groups was arterial hypertension. The hospitalized diabetic subjects had significantly higher incidence of ischemic heart disease and significantly lower incidence of thyroid disorders compared to the outpatients. The DCSI scoring system revealed that comorbidities are more frequently present in the hospitalized patients compared to the ambulant diabetic subjects. Evaluation of clinical status and laboratory results in diabetic patients followed by implementation of a scoring system based on the data obtained regarding comorbidities could help clinicians to set up an individual treatment plan for these patients, focusing on preventing other complications.