DIABETES MELLITUS COMPLICATIONS AMONG SRI LANKAN ADULTS ADMITTED TO TWO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This study identified significant numbers of diabetic patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus visiting diabetic clinics in selected hospitals in the east province of Sri Lanka; and identified complications and co-morbidities of their Diabetes Mellitus. A descriptive cross sectional study design used convenient sampling technique.  A total of 200 patients were conveniently selected as respondents for the self administered questionnaire. The overall data across two sections indicate that the evidence of Type 11 Diabetes Mellitus was 51.42% since the 48.6% were co-morbidities. The identified co-morbidities were type 1 diabetic wound having 143 (71.5%) patients, 120 (60.0%) visual impairment, 144 (72.0%) hypertension, 38 (19.0%) renal impairment, 30 (15.0%) recurrent infection, and 36 (18.0%) cardiac diseases. Of the 200 patients, 30.70% (n=149) had acquired complications of Diabetes Mellitus. Out of the 149 patients with Diabetes Mellitus complications, 108 (54%) patients were identified with diabetic wound, 87 (43.5%) with hypertension, 112 (56%) with visual complications, 66 (33%) with hyperlipidemia, 45 (22.5%) with renal impairment, 23 (11.5%) with recurrent infection; while cardiac disease, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia are complications identified from the 36 (18.0%), 44 (22.0%), and 83 (41.5%) respondents respectively.