Risk Factors and Diabetes Related Complications Frequency in the Population of the Northeastern Morocco

Objectives: Diabetes is one of the most challenging health problems in the 21st century that brings a considerable economic burden on worldwide healthcare resources. Indeed, people with diabetes have a higher lifetime healthcare expenditure due to the long-term complications, which include micro and macrovascular complications. This study sought to estimate the frequency of diabetes complications, and to investigate the associated risk factors. Methodology: Data were obtained from the medical records of 2401 diabetic patients followed at the Reference Center of Diabetes and Chronic Diseases (RCD) in Oujda (Morocco) during the period 2006-2011. Results: Our sample of 2401 diabetic patients include 64.7% women. 32% of patients have one or more complications; retinopathy is the most frequent complication (16.8%), followed by nephropathy (12.4%), cardiovascular diseases (5.4%), neuropathy (3.6%) and diabetes foot (2%). Logistic regression in univariate followed by multivariate analysis has showed that age, duration of diabetes and high albuminuria are the major risk factors for the development of diabetic complications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Nearly one third of diabetic patients were affected by at least one diabetic complication; retinopathy is the most common complication in these patients. Strengthening programs to improve diabetes management and to reduce the risk of these complications should be a high priority in order to control the cost of treatment.