Microvascular Complications and Associated Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background/ aim: Chronic hyperglycemia is a hallmark of the metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus, which also causes microvascular problems that cause morbidity, recurrent hospital stays, and death. Our study's objective is to determine the relationships between microvascular issues and risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara. Subjects and Methods: In Al-Madinah Al-Munawara, 275 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study; 86 of them had microvascular complications. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data. The study covered all participants aged 20 to 65 years old. Incomplete data, patients suffering from COVID-19, chest infections, cancer, and pregnant women were excluded. Results: Microvascular complications affect 37.3% of the elderly (41–65 years old) and 63% of the young (20–40 years old). There is a significant association (p <0.05) between the age of the patients and various types of microvascular complications. Retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy were more common in males than females. There was a positive correlation between HbA1c levels and other variables such as serum cholesterol, hemoglobin, high blood pressure, and the number of hospitalizations. Age, gender, hypertension, and type of treatment have a significant positive effect on the appearance of microvascular complications (p <0.05). Conclusion: In our study, the age, gender, and type of treatment of participants were independent predictors of microvascular complications among type 2 diabetic patients. The risk of complications from DM in this country will be decreased by health education and raising awareness.