Diabetes mellitus at a rural hospital in northwestern Tanzania.

During the 5-year period 1978-82, 120 diabetic patients were admitted to a rural hospital in Tanzania. They were admitted a total of 172 times, which was 1.0% of all admissions corresponding to 1.7% of all admission days. Most diabetics were between 40-60 years of age (mean age 49 years). Sixty-one patients were newly discovered cases. During the period, 11 patients (9.2%) died and 20% were lost to follow up. At present 71% are attending a diabetic clinic but only 58% do so regularly and with a good compliance. At this clinic 45% are treated with insulin, 46% with oral agents and 8% with diet alone. The study indicates a need for improved detection and motivation for follow up, and also shows the pressure diabetes exerts on a rural hospital in Tanzania at present.