Characteristics, glycemic control and outcomes of adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus attending specialized clinics in primary healthcare centers in Bahrain-A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge that requires continuous and multidisciplinary management. Suboptimal diabetes management results in serious complications that impose a huge burden on patients and the healthcare system. This study aimed to assess the characteristics, glycemic control and outcomes of patients with type-2 diabetes attending primary healthcare centers in Bahrain according to the new American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus attending diabetic clinics in Bahrain. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. The data collection tool consisted of three parts: baseline and sociodemographic data, the physical measures of the patients and the most recent laboratory results. An A1C of less than 7% was indicative of good glycemic control.

RESULTS: A total of 721 patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus were included with an average age of 58.4 years. Most patients were hypertensive ( n = 457, 63.4%), and half of them were hyperlipidemic ( n = 373, 51.7%). Around 57% ( n = 402) of the patients adopted lifestyle modifications, 14.8% adopted diet control measures and around half performed weekly regular exercises. More than 92% of the cohort were on metformin, 52.0% ( n = 375) were on Sulphonylurea medications and 41% ( n = 298) were on insulin formulations. While only 40% of the patients had controlled diabetes ( n = 283, 39.3%) and hypertension ( n = 298, 41.3%), most patients achieved adequate cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels (83.2% and 76.6%, respectively). Non-Bahraini ( P ≤ 0.001), young ( P = 0.027) and obese patients ( P = 0.003) had lower glycemic control measures. Adequate cholesterol levels were seen more in patients with a controlled glycemic index ( P = 0.015).

CONCLUSION: Considering the new glycemic targets, glycemic and hypertension control was poor among diabetic patients, especially non-Bahraini, obese and young patients. Urgent interventions by policymakers, physicians and caregivers are needed to improve the outcomes of diabetes.