Reasons for complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus observed in the United Arab Emirates: Physicians' opinion

摘要

The study explored diabetic complications and their reasons as observed by practicing physicians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross sectional study collected opinion of 107 multinational practicing physicians identified from across UAE using a snowballing technique. The majority of participants were males (81%); 62% from clinics and 38% from hospitals. More than 50% had experience in UAE for over 5 years. Fifty eight percent of physicians practicing in clinics and 80.6% from hospitals felt they had facilities for monitoring diabetes mellitus complications. The highest ranked complication was cardiovascular (64%) followed by peripheral neuropathy and ocular complications. They attributed the complications to poor glycemic control (22.4%), sedentary life -style (11.2%), smoking (10.3%), diet and co-morbidity (9.3% each) and obesity (4.7%); whereas the reasons for poor glycemic control were mainly low compliance (25.2%), life-style (18.7%), lack of awareness about the silent disease and complications (14%), finance (5.6%) and depression (0.9%). While no age, gender or occupational difference was reported, 57% of 46 who responded felt Asians were more affected. Cardiovascular complications and peripheral neuropathy were the most reported complications. The reasons for poor glycemic control were mainly low compliance, lifestyle and lack of awareness. Nation-wide campaigns and locally relevant professional training may improve the situation.