A study of complications in patients with newly detected type 2 DM

 

Dilip Krishna Godavarthi^1*, P Chandrasekhara²

 

Abstract              Background: Chronic complications of diabetes, the major cause of morbidity and mortality, are often present at the time of diagnosis. The problem is further worsened as the diagnosis of diabetes is often delayed from months to years due to lack of symptoms, lack of awareness and the fear of unknown in spite of awareness. The asymptomatic phase of hyperglycemia accounts for the relatively high prevalence of complications at initial presentation. A high prevalence of such complications, if documented, will help convince the physicians the importance of screening for these complications in all type 2 diabetics (T2DM) at presentation for appropriate implementation of treatment without delay. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Each patient was screened for diabetic complications, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Standard protocols were used to make the diagnosis of retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, IHD, peripheral artery disease and autonomic complications. Results: There were 55 males and 45females. Majority were less than 60 years of age.22% of patients had neuropathy, 14% retinopathy and 7%, nephropathy. IHD and PAD were observed in 12% and 8%. Autonomic complications noticed in 5% patients. Co morbid conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidemia were observed in 24%, and 35% of patients respectively. Conclusion: All cases of Type 2 DM must be investigated for early detection of chronic complications so that further progression of the disease can be prevented.

Key Word: type 2 DM.