Gender differences of the clinical aspects and complication risks of diabetes mellitus among outpatient clinic visits, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Gender differences are important in epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcomes in Type 2 DM, Objectives: To study gender differences of the burden of type 2 diabetes and complication risk among Saudi subjects visiting the outpatient clinics. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional study, including 2501 patients, who visited the outpatient clinics at two private general hospitals in Jeddah during the years 2018 through to 2019. All patients were examined and diagnosed by specialists. Data were collected using check list form to obtain personal characteristics and area of residence; vital signs, anthropometric measurements, clinical characteristics and outcome of the visits. Statistical analysis: SPSS version 23 (IBM), was used. Chi square, and logistic regression tests were used. OR, and 95% IC were used to describe the relationships. Level of significance was 0.05. Results: Out of all the visits to the outpatient clinics, DM constituted 5.5%. Type 2 DM was common in those aged 40 years and above, while Type 1 DM was common in those aged 18 years and younger. Males were at 1.7 times more likely to develop DM compared to females (OR 1.715; 95% CI: 1.146, 2.257, p <0.009). The males with T2DM had significantly more frequent edema of the lower limbs compared to the females. Polyuria was the most common symptom, while HBA1C and FBS were the most common investigations ordered, and Biguanides and sulfonylurea and insulin were the common treatment prescribed. These were similar in both the males and females. Hypertension (22%), IHD (6%), and dyslipidemia (6%) were encountered among patients with T2DM; however, these CVDs were similar in the males and females. Conclusion: DM is a common chronic disorder, which imposes burden on the primary health care in Saudi Arabia. It is more common in males than females, however, the pattern of cardiovascular complications and health care management were similar in both genders. Key words: DM, Gender, outpatient clinics, Saudi Arabia,