Study of determinants of cardiovascular morbidity among diabetes patients

Background: With the change in lifestyle and behavior among individuals, the prevalence of T2DM is on rise. Many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are attributable for the cardiovascular morbidity among the diabetics which is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among them, also increasing their burden of expenditure. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevailing factors responsible and its associate co morbidities among the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Methods: It was a descriptive, observational and cross sectional study conducted for 30 days. 226 patients who visited the diabetes OPD of the Medical College were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, systemic and general examinations were performed. The data was analysed using suitable statistical analysis. Results: Out of 226 patients, 47.8% were suffering from cardiovascular morbidity, majority being heart failure (57.4%). Most of them were contributed 46.3% and 38.9% by age group 50-59 years (46.3%) and 60-69 years (38.9%), 55.6% were smokers and 64.4% were overweight. 70.4% complained of stress in their daily life while 48.1% were unaware of their heart conditions until checkup. 18.5% of the patients also suffered from retinopathy and 37.03% from diabetic foot ulcer. 64% of them had hypertension and 67.2% had sedentary life style. Conclusions: Many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors were found associated with cardiovascular morbidity among the type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. So a proper awareness and life style modifications might be necessary to decrease cardiovascular morbidity among them.