Unraveling obesity and diabetes connection insights into diabetic Complications

Abstract

Objective: Obesity has been a considerable risk factor for the development of diabetic complications. The objective of this study was to determine the association between obesity and diabetic complications.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from December 2023 to January 2024. A total of 239 patients, both genders (male and female) with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included from in-patient and out-patient departments presenting to Department of Medicine and Endocrinology Division at MTI Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. We assessed the height and weight of the patients to calculate BMI as per the Asian Classification of Obesity Patients were further classified as normal (18.5-22.9), overweight (23.0-24.9), and obese (>25). Complications including known microvascular complications (diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic foot ulcer) and macrovascular complications (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular) were recorded in a well-designed questionnaire.

Results: This study involved 239 participants. The mean age, BMI, and HbA1c were 53.43 years, 27.94 kg/m2, and 9.74%, respectively. The participants had varying durations of diabetes: 36.8% for 0-5 years, 41.0% for 6-10 years, and 22.2% for 11 years and above. BMI categories included normal weight (12.1%), overweight (35.6%), and obesity (52.3%), while HbA1c levels were classified as Good Control (<7%) in 9.6%, Fair Control (7.1% to 8%) in 15.1%, and
Poor Control (>8%) in 75.3%. Complications were present in 60.3% of cases, with 39.7% experiencing no complications.

Conclusion: A significant correlation between obesity and increased complications was found in this study. It emphasizes the need for regular evaluation of weight management and diabetes control in such patients. Achieving optimal glycaemic control and addressing associated risk factors might help to mitigate obesity-related complications in individuals with diabetes.

How to cite this: Khayam U, Jehandad Z, Javed J, Ghazala. Unraveling obesity and diabetes connection insights into diabetic Complications. JPES. 2024;1(1):14-18.