BackgroundAlthough the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising sharply in Saudi Arabia, data on glycemic control, crucial to reducing diabetes mellitus complications, remain scarce. This study therefore investigated glycemic control status and the factors influencing poor glycemic control among adult T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined 423 T2DM patients at a diabetic center in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia between September 2016 and July 2017. Glycemic levels were measured via fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and “poor glycemic control” was defined as FBG >130 mg/dL. Poor glycemic control’s risk factors were identified using a logistic regression.ResultsIn the sample, 74.9% of the patients had poor blood glycemic control. Logistic regression revealed that T2DM patients had an increased chance of poorly controlled diabetes if they had family histories of diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =7.38, 95% CI 4.09–13.31), longer diabetic durations (AOR =2.33, 95% CI 1.14–4.78 for 5–10 years and AOR =5.19, 95% CI 2.50–10.69 for >10 years), insufficient physical exercise (AOR =19.02, 95% CI 6.23–58.06), or were overweight (AOR =3.79, 95% CI 2.00–7.18), or obese (AOR =5.35, 95% CI 2.72–12.59).ConclusionA high proportion of the sampled patients had poor glycemic control, therefore, health care professionals should manage the associated risk factors to limit disease complications and improve the health of patients with diabetes.

ObjectivesThe study aimed to examine the quality of the educational environment in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and to compare between male and female students using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM).  MethodsWe utilized a cross-sectional survey design.  Participants were 221 medical students (96 males and 125 females) from all classes (1st to 6th year). Each participant responded to a translated version of the DREEM questionnaire that measures five domains: students' perception of learning (SPL), students' perception of teachers (SPT), students' academic self-perception (SASP), students' perception of atmosphere (SPA), and students' social self-perception (SSSP). Numerical differences between male and female students were analyzed using the Student's t-test. ResultsThe global average score of female students was significantly higher (105.0±22.9, 53% of maximum score) than male students (98.3±24.3, 49% of maximum score; t(219)= -2.119, p= 0.035). The major gender difference was found in the SPT domain, with a higher score in the females (60%) compared to the male (50%) cohort (t (219)= -5.519, p = 0.000). Differences in the other domains were statistically insignificant. Out of the 50 DREEM items, the items that need attention were 32 and 23 on the male and the female sides respectively. ConclusionsThe perception of the educational environment by the female students is significantly better than male students. The study provides valuable information about many educational problems that need attention. DREEM-based surveys are highly recommended for periodic monitoring of the educational environment.

Introduction Dyslipidemia is a key clinical abnormality among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, which heightens their risk of cardiovascular events. Data on the serum lipid profile of type 2 DM (T2DM) patients in Saudi Arabia are scarce. This study therefore aimed to establish dyslipidemia prevalence in a sample of adult T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia and to investigate its associated factors. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional survey was applied to 400 adult T2DM outpatients in attendance at a diabetic center clinic in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia between September 2017 and December 2018 using convenience sampling. Structured questionnaires gathered data relating to the potential risk factors for dyslipidemia. Data on fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were collected from all participants along with their height and weight measurements. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then used to evaluate the associated risk factors for dyslipidemia. Results Of the sampled outpatients, 47.8% had high TC levels, 39.0% had high LDL-C, 35.5% had low HDL-C, 42.8% had high TG levels, and 66.5% had a minimum of one abnormal lipid level (dyslipidemia). The risk factors associated with dyslipidemia were an age of >40 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.96, 95% CI 1.19–3.22), irregular exercise (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI 1.21–6.92), a family history of T2DM (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI 2.22–6.23), having had T2DM for >7 years (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.46–3.99), and overweight (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.49–4.58) or obesity (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.24–5.05). Conclusion Dyslipidemia prevalence was found to be high among T2DM patients. Therefore, a compressive mechanism is needed which can screen, treat, and inform them about dyslipidemia and its risk factors, especially modifiable ones such as obesity and exercise.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication of pregnancy. The disease is on the rise worldwide with deleterious consequences on the fetus, mother, and children. The study aimed to review the role of lifestyle in the prevention of GDM. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and Google Scholar from the first published article up to December 2021; articles were eligible if they were controlled trials, prospective cohorts, and case–control. Out of 5559 articles retrieved, 66 full texts were screened, and 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. (6 studies assessed the effects of diet, and 13 were on exercise). The dietary intervention showed significant positive effect on GDM, odd ratio = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.56–84, P-value for overall effect = 0.002. The DASH diet was better than Mediterranean Diet (odd ratio, 0.71, 95% CI, 68–74, P-value < 0.001). Regarding exercise, no significant prevention was evident on GDM, odd ratio, 0.77, 95% CI, 0.55–1.06, P-value = 0.11. However, a significant prevention of gestational diabetes was found when the exercise was mild-moderate (odd ratio = 0.65, 95% CI, 0.53–80, P < 0.0001) and started in the first trimester (odd ratio, 0.57, 95% CI, 0.43–0.75, P < 0.0001. No significant effect was found when the exercise was vigorous (odd ratio = 1.09, 95% CI, 0.50–2.38, P = 0.83) and started during the second trimester of pregnancy (odd ratio, 1.08, 95% CI, 0.65–1.80, P = 0.77. Diet and early mild-moderate exercise were effective in GDM prevention. Exercise during the second trimester and moderate-vigorous were not. Further studies assessing the type, duration, and frequency of physical activity are needed.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common but chronic condition that can cause death, and is seen as a substantial source of disability and health costs. A balance between prevention and intervention, as is the case with other infectious diseases, is the best way to stem the increasing burden of CVD. Objective: This study assesses the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in students and employees in a sample from the University of Tabuk. Methods: A crosssectional study was done in 2015, with 120 employees and students at the University of Tabuk (in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia), for those over age 20 (60 males and 60 females) from different facilities and departments at the university. Findings: Blood testing was done with 120 participants to assess the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia at the University of Tabuk, in which the prevalence is actually higher than in most cities of Saudi Arabia. Ten percent of participants are hyperglycemic and 10% are developing problems in that area, with no significant difference between males and females. The overall percent of abnormal cholesterol levels is 17.5%. The mean total cholesterol level for female participants is significantly higher than that of males (160.1 vs. 157.3, p < 0.047). Conclusion: This information shows that cardiovascular risk factors will influence those with major health disorders in the future. Consequently, a nationwide campaign encouraging wholesome eating, better lifestyles, as well as physical activity, is a healthcare priority.