Prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control in individuals aged between 18-60 years, at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa- a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Achieving optimal blood glucose control is imperative for preventing diabetes related complications and negative socio-economic consequences associated with them.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control amongst type II diabetic outpatients presenting at a regional semi-rural hospital in eThekwini district, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

METHODS

An observational, analytic cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 384 systematically sampled type 2 diabetes patients. Data were collected by an interviewer administered questionnaire, clinical record review and anthropometric measurements. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Ninety one percent of the study population (349/384) had poorly controlled diabetes. Amongst uncontrolled diabetics, 80% (n=281) were older than 35 years' age group; 58% (n= 203) were male; 85% (n=295) completed primary school education and 93% (n=324) were overweight. Patients that were 35 years and older, female, employed, had a high body mass index, were on oral hypoglycaemic and/or insulin in combination, and receiving treatment longer than 3 years, had an increased odd of uncontrolled diabetes. Being female and receiving oral hypoglycaemic and/or insulin were significantly associated with poor blood glucose control.

CONCLUSION

Patient that were female overweight, having a lower level of education, and greater than three-year duration of medication and on oral hypoglycaemic agent and/or insulin were more likely to have poor blood glucose control. These factors should serve as early identifiers of potential poor control and an alert clinician to adopt a more active approach to optimize treatment.