Uncovering the Link: How Socioeconomic Factors, Comorbidities, and Lifestyle Choices Affect Type 2 Diabetes Complications in Riyadh Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term health issue where blood sugar levels become too high. Unfortunately, diabetes is becoming increasingly common worldwide, leading to many complications. Here’s a look at some key findings from a study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which examined how various factors influence diabetes complications.

Age and Education Impact Complications
The study found that older individuals (36 years and up) had a higher rate of complications at 47%. Younger people faced only a 20% rate. This aligns with research from Xu et al. in China, which also highlighted that aging contributes to diabetes issues, like kidney and eye problems.

Education plays a role too. Those with at least a bachelor’s degree had a lower complication rate (29%) compared to those with less education (46%). A study by Sharif et al. in Pakistan showed that better health knowledge helps people manage diabetes more effectively.

Marital Status Matters
Interestingly, married people experienced more complications, possibly due to shared lifestyle habits or increased stress from family responsibilities. This is consistent with research from Alzubaidi in Jordan, indicating that family obligations can complicate diabetes management.

Family History and Diabetes Duration
Individuals with a family history of diabetes had an alarmingly high complication rate of 67%. Alharbi et al. also noted genetic factors at play. Furthermore, those diagnosed with diabetes for more than five years had a complication rate of 76%. This echoes global findings that longer disease duration increases risks for complications.

Having diabetes symptoms like frequent urination and excessive thirst also leads to more complications. Adhering to prescribed medications is vital for controlling blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of serious complications like heart disease and kidney failure. Notably, individuals who follow their medication plans are less likely to face these severe issues.

The Role of Comorbidities
The study found that 72% of participants with high blood pressure also faced complications, confirming work by Khan et al. on the link between hypertension and heart problems among diabetics. Obesity was another red flag, with a staggering 76% complication rate in obese participants. This emphasizes the need for lifestyle changes to manage weight effectively.

Lifestyle Choices Are Crucial
Diet and exercise are significant in managing diabetes. The study highlighted that consuming processed foods was linked to higher complication rates. Research shows that diets high in refined sugars worsen glucose control, so promoting healthier eating habits is essential.

Regular exercise improved outcomes too. Physical activity is important for managing diabetes, as confirmed by a systematic review by Colberg et al., which noted that exercise can help lower the risk of heart disease related to diabetes. Moreover, milk consumption showed protective effects, suggesting that dairy can be beneficial for metabolic health among diabetics.

Cultural Influences in Saudi Arabia
Cultural habits significantly affect diabetes management in Saudi Arabia. Traditional foods rich in carbohydrates can worsen blood sugar control. Additionally, during Ramadan, fasting can complicate diabetes management if not managed carefully. The hot climate and social norms may limit physical activity, while reliance on traditional medicine can delay necessary medical care.

Limitations of the Study
While insightful, the study has limitations. It was cross-sectional, so it can’t definitively show cause-and-effect relationships. Reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases.

Glycemic control assessments also lacked laboratory verification, which could lead to misclassification. Future studies should include a broader range of socioeconomic factors and more objective measures.

What’s Next?
It’s crucial for future research to use long-term designs and real medical records for better data reliability. Encouraging healthy lifestyles, particularly in at-risk groups, is essential. Policymakers should create supportive environments for healthy living and raise awareness about diabetes complications.

This study adds valuable insights into diabetes complications, underlining the need for personalized management plans that consider various factors, including age, education, lifestyle choices, and cultural influences. For a more comprehensive understanding, future research should focus on diverse populations and different healthcare contexts.

For more on diabetes management and health insights, check out the World Health Organization’s diabetes facts.

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Endocrine system and metabolic diseases,Endocrinology,Risk factors,Diabetes complications,Comorbidities,Lifestyle, diabetes risk,Burden,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary