GLYCEMIC CONTROL OF INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS IN SUDAN - INFLUENCE OF INSULIN SHORTAGE

Insulin availability and routine diabetes care were cross-sectionally investigated in 122 (M/F; 59/63) insulin-dependent diabetic patients a ged 6-60 years with greater than or equal to 1 year duration using a s tructured questionnaire interview followed by a free conversation. Hae moglobin A(1c), blood glucose, and serum lipids were measured in the f asting state to assess the metabolic control. Only 12% of the patients had acceptable glycaemic control (HbA(1c) < 7.5%). Increased age, sho rter diabetes duration, and higher body mass index were associated wit h better metabolic control. Omission or reduction of the insulin dose was experienced by 51% of the patients due to insulin shortage. The in terview data consistently indicated that insulin non-availability had induced poor compliance to therapy regimens and lack of motivation for optimum glycaemic control. Due to limited resources, most of the pati ents received insufficient diabetes care and education, leading to low er rates of clinic attendance (55%), and dietary non-compliance (78.5% ). Elevated haemoglobin A(1c) was associated with higher fasting blood glucose levels (P < 0.001), serum triglycerides (P < 0.05), and urina ry glucose (P < 0.001). Measurable fasting C-peptide was observed in 5 2.5% of the patients and was related to the age at diagnosis, and body mass index (P < 0.001 for both). There is a considerable potential to improve diabetes care and education practice, and if accessibility to insulin is simultaneously facilitated, the glycaemic control in Sudan ese diabetic patients will improve.