Prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control in individuals aged between 18-60 years, at a regional hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa- a cross sectional study

Background: Achieving optimal blood glucose control is imperative for preventing diabetes related complications and negative socio-economic consequences associated with them. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control amongst type II diabetic outpatients presenting at a regional semi-rural hospital in eThekwini district, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Methods: An observational, analytic cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 384 systematically sampled type 2 diabetes patients. Data were collected by an interviewer administered questionnaire, clinical record review and anthropometric measure-ments. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed Results: Ninety one percent of the study population (349/384) had poorly controlled diabetes. Amongst uncontrolled diabetics, 80% (n=281) were older than 35 years' age group; 58% (n= 203) were male; 85% (n=295) completed primary school education and 93% (n=324) were overweight. Patients that were 35 years and older, female, employed, had a high body mass index, were on oral hypoglycaemic and/or insulin in combination, and receiving treatment longer than 3 years, had an increased odd of uncontrolled diabetes. Being female and receiving oral hypoglycaemic and/or insulin were significantly associated with poor blood glucose control. Conclusion: Patient that were female overweight, having a lower level of education, and greater than three-year duration of medication and on oral hypoglycaemic agent and/or insulin were more likely to have poor blood glucose control. These factors should serve as early identifiers of potential poor control and an alert clinician to adopt a more active approach to optimize treatment.