ASSESSMENT OF PATTERN OF MICROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN SOKOTO.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a growing public health crisis, with microvascular complications (MVCs) contributing to morbidity; however, regional data from Northern Nigeria, including Sokoto, are limited. This cross-sectional study assessed MVC patterns among T2DM patients attending diabetes clinics in Sokoto. One hundred consenting adults (mean age 58.4 ± 10.2 years; 52% female; mean diabetes duration 6.8 ± 3.1 years) were evaluated using clinical assessments, fasting blood glucose (FBG), urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR), and blood pressure measurements. Data analysis employed one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc, and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). MVCs affected 80% of participants: multiple MVCs (23%), retinopathy (22%), nephropathy (18%), and neuropathy (17%). FBG was elevated in multiple MVCs (10.82 ± 0.58 mmol/L) versus none (7.29 ± 0.49 mmol/L) (p=0.008). UPCR was highest in nephropathy (3.00 ± 0.00) versus none (1.05 ± 0.05) (p=0.001). Systolic/diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in complicated groups (multiple MVCs: 144.87 ± 2.211/91.17 ± 1.596 mmHg vs. none: 127.25 ± 5.139/75.35 ± 1.077 mmHg) (p=0.001). Significant sociodemographic associations included older age, with >67 years having higher nephropathy/multiple MVCs (p=0.002), female sex (p=0.038) with more retinopathy/multiple MVCs, longer diabetes duration >5 years were higher across all MVCs (p=0.001), and low physical activity was linked to multiple MVCs (p=0.020). Hyperglycaemia (p=0.002) and hypertension (p=0.001) strongly correlated with MVCs. These findings reveal a high MVC burden in Sokoto, exacerbated by poor glycaemic/hypertensive control and sociodemographic risks. Urgent implementation of routine screening, lifestyle interventions, and integrated management is essential to curb progression.