Vascular complications of diabetes in Lebanon: Experience at the American University of Beirut

Abstract

Aim To examine the metabolic control and presence of complications, among a cohort of diabetic patients in Lebanon. Method A total of 313 diabetic patients presenting for their usual care were screened in a cross-sectional manner for metabolic control and presence of complications at the American University of Beirut. Results Only 235 subjects completed their data of whom 220 (93%) had type 2 diabetes with mean duration of disease of 8.2 (±6.6) years. Only 30% had haemoglobin A1C < 7%, and 35.5% had low-density lipoprotein Cholesterol < 2.6 mmol/L. About 50.5% were obese, 34.9% current smokers, and 40.7% had blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Microvascular complications were present as 46.3, 39.9 and 33% for albuminuria, neuropathy, 33% for albuminuria, neuropathy, and retinopathy, respectively. Macrovascular complications were as follows: 19.3, 18.3 and 4.1% for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease, respectively. Conclusions This study highlights the poor control and high prevalence of vascular complications among adult type 2 diabetic patients in Lebanon.