The prevalence of diabetes complications and associated risk factors in Pacific Islands countries

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of diabetes complications and associated risk factors among people with type 2 diabetes in three Pacific Island countries, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 459 people with diabetes. Subjects were screened for complications using a standardised protocol which gathered information on demographics, physical and biochemical parameters.

Results: Of the 459 subjects, 47% were female, mean age was 54 years and mean duration of diabetes was eight years. The prevalence of diabetes complications was significantly higher in Nauru compared with the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu - microalbuminuria 71%, 36% and 51% respectively (P<0.001), retinopathy 69%, 40% and 42% respectively (P<0.001), and abnormal foot sensation 30%, 23% and 19% respectively (P=0.036). The prevalences of hypertension, overweight/obesity and poor glycaemic control were high. The percentages of subjects achieving recommended clinical targets were low. Microalbuminuria was significantly associated with duration of diabetes, hypertension and glycaemic control. Diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with duration of diabetes whereas abnormal foot sensation was significantly associated with duration of diabetes and glycaemic control.

Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of diabetes complications and associated risk factors, which indicate the need to improve diabetes care and strengthen preventive efforts to reduce complications.

Keywords: Complications; Diabetes care; Pacific Island countries (PICs); Risk factors; Type 2 diabetes.