Experience of running Free Diabetes Clinic at Muhammad Medical College Hospital, Mirpurkhas.

Abstract

Background: Complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) are many. One of the recognized risk factors for developing them is non-compliance with treatment (due to various socioeconomic reasons in our set-up). A free diabetes
clinic (FDC ) has been providing services at MMCH last nearly 2 years. However , no data exists regarding the
various issues surrounding DM in this population
Aims: To determine various demographic, clinical and biochemical issues of diabetic patients of Mirpurkhas and
surroundings.
Methods and Design: Retrospective analysis of the data of diabetic patients at the time of their registration in
our FDC.
Results: We registered 430 of Patients (280 Males,150 females). Their mean age was 41 years (range11 to 75).
405 (94%) had type II DM. Their mean body mass index (BMI) was 24 (range 15 to 43). Average blood pressure
was 140/100 (Max 210 /110 mm Hg). 175 (40%) of patients were hypertensive (as defined for DM with BP of >
130/90 mmHg ) . Average random blood sugar levels on registration was 180 mg / dl. (range 65 to 675 ). Blood
cholesterol of 25 patients (5%) was checked with average result of 134 mg/ dl (range 100 to 230) 55 (12%) of
patients had serum creatinine checked, of which 37 (67%) had some degree of impairment. 13 / 37 / (35 %) of all
Glycated Hemoglobin (Hb A1C) were within normal limits of =/< 6, 14/37 )37%) were moderately raised (up to
7%.), 10/37 (27%) was severely impaired (above 7%). 174 / 430 (40%) patients had fundoscopy at FDC by an
experienced and qualified ophthalmologist, of which 45(25%) had some grade of diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusion: Despite massive subsidies, only a small fraction of patients get investigations done for nephropathy, dislipaedemia and retinopathy. Among them 40% had hypertension and 67% of those checked had nephropathy. Of those that were chocked (with a bias of those who agreed / wished to get examination), 25% had some degree of retinopathy.