Type 2 diabetes complications and comorbidity in Sub-Saharan Africans

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Background Context-specific evidence of the spectrum of type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden is essential for setting priorities and designing interventions to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. However, there are currently limited data on the burden of T2D complications and comorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods T2D complications and comorbidities were assessed in 2,784 participants with diabetes enrolled from tertiary health centres and contextualised in 3,209 individuals without diabetes in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. T2D complications and comorbidities evaluated included cardiometabolic, ocular, neurological and renal characteristics. Findings The most common complications/comorbidities among the T2D participants were hypertension (71%; 95% CI 69–73), hyperlipidaemia (34%; 95% CI 32–36), and obesity (27%; 95% CI 25–29). Additionally, the prevalence of cataracts was 32% (95% CI 30–35), diabetic retinopathy 15% (95% CI 13–17), impaired renal function 13% (95% CI 12–15), and erectile dysfunction (in men) 35% (95% CI 32–38). T2D population-attributable fraction for these comorbidities ranged between 6 and 64%. Interpretation The burden of diabetes complications and comorbidity is substantial in SSA highlighting the urgent need for innovative public health strategies that prioritise promotion of healthy lifestyles for prevention and early detection of T2D. Also needed are strategies to strengthen health care system capacities to provide treatment and care for diabetes complications.

Source: EClinicalMedicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.09.001

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ibadan, University of Ghana, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Howard University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, Fogarty International Center, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Center for Global Health

Awards: MINORITY INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH TRAINING GRANT, G2531047220, G2697783883, Genetic epidemiology of complex diseases, G7975629575, G9000201978

OpenAlex ID: W2980432998