The Common Complications and Comorbidities among Saudi Diabetic Patients in Northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), is a group of metabolic disorders in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period with great harmful consequences, including cardiovascular and neurological complica-tions, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the common complications and comorbidities among diabetic Saudi patients in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Records of 50 diabetic patients were retrieved from King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia. Different complications and comorbidities were documented and investigated. Results: Peripheral neuropath, retinopathy, diabetic septic foot, and amputation were identified among 40%, 38%, 14%, and 4%, correspon-dingly. Out of the 50 patients, 12 (24%), 18 (36%) and 8 (16%) were detected with thyroid diseases, dyslipidemia and renal complications, respectively. Con-clusion: Hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, kid-ney complications and diabetic septic food represent the major complications and/or comorbidities among diabetic Saudi patients in northern Saudi Arabia. These complications and/or comorbidities must be well thought-out in epide-miological studies, so as to display disease burden and quality of diabetes care.