Patterns of Management of Diabetic Mellitus and the Outcome in the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South East Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To assess the patterns of management of Diabetic Mellitus and the outcome in the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu Nigeria. Method: A total of 422patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) who were being managed at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital were studied within a six months period. They were issued with structured self-administered questionnaires which collected information on their socio-demographic profiles, types of management patterns being used for their illness ie, insulin therapy, oral hypoglycemic drugs, dietary restrictions and in some cases a combination of both. Results: The patients were well-matched for gender i.e. 51.9% males while 49.1% females. About 87.9% were above the age of 40years while 63.5% of them were married. About 67.7% of the patients were employed, while some were in the government sector, others were in the private sector and the remaining were self employed. About 75.6% had basic education from the secondary level and above. About 6.9% of patients were being managed solely on dietary control, 24.9% were on drug therapy, while 68.2% were on both drug and dietary therapy. 38.9% are on insulin therapy, 81.5% use their personal glucometer to monitor their blood sugar. 76.1% testified that they have done well with the pattern used to manage their illness and hence were satisfied with it. Conclusion: Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus is a disease of old age hence over 87% of the patients in this study were above 40years. About 70% were employed and of course the disease would have an effect on their jobs. Over 68% of the patients were on both dietary and drug therapy and 81.5% use their personal glucometer to monitor their blood sugar. Since 76.1% are satisfied with the outcome of their treatment, it means these management patterns are effective for the DM patients in ESUT Teaching Hospital Enugu.