Prevalence and treatment-related outcome of hospitalised type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with comorbidities at an academic hospital in Johannesburg

Abstract

Background: Diabetic patients with comorbidities face increased risks of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalisation, leading to higher healthcare costs. Despite compliance with treatment, many do not achieve desired glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%). Identifying comorbidities in T2DM patients can enable more comprehensive care. This study aimed to investigate T2DM control in hospitalised T2DM patients with and without comorbidities.

Method: A retrospective chart review of 246 T2DM patients aged ≥ 18 admitted in 2019 to Helen Joseph Academic Hospital was conducted. Files were randomly selected and data summarised using descriptive statistics.

Results: The mean age was 52 ± 13.4 years. Comorbidities were present in 73% (179) of patients, with a majority being female (51%, 126). Among those with comorbidities, 30% (74) had complications. Hypertension was the most common concordant disease, and HIV the most common discordant disease. Diabetes-related conditions led to hospitalisation in 63% (155) of T2DM patients.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of comorbidities was observed in hospitalised T2DM patients. Although there was no significant association with some cardiac risk factors (blood glucose, cholesterol, HbA1c), blood pressure was higher in T2DM patients with comorbidities compared with those without.