No abstract

Diabetic complications are considered a public concern on global level and have their negative impacts on patients. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of diabetic complications among a sample of diabetics in Royal Medical Services and to conclude the appropriate recommendations to reduce the effects of diabetic complications. The method of choice involved a retrospective design and 392 files of diabetic patients were reviewed. Study findings showed that the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy was 43%, hypertension 42%, diabetic foot ulcer 9%, glaucoma 48%, and heart disease 25%. Predictors for diabetic neuropathy were the level of HbA1C (p=0.015), and gender (p=0.018), while the predictors for hypertension were duration of DM (p=0.000) and age (p=0.000). The predictors of foot ulcer included the level of HbA1C (p=0.013), and the use of metformin (p=0.026). Glaucoma was predicted by duration of DM (p=0.002), and gender (p=0.017). Heart disease was predicted by duration of DM (p=0.003), gender (p=0.041), and age (p=0.000). Taken together, diabetic complications are prevalent on global level and in our settings which implies that the therapeutic options of DM are still far from their ultimate goals. we recommend adopting of more effective monitoring systems for screening diabetics, particularly those who are expected to develop diabetes. We also recommend to activate the roles of clinical pharmacist to raise the awareness level about diabetic complications among the public.