Profiles of diabetes care, control and complications in Benghazi, Libya 2020: A cross sectional study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the growing health problems worldwide. Comprehensive medical evaluation, screening for complications, and proper diabetes care are crucial to improve outcome. Objectives: We aimed to study the profile of diabetes in Benghazi city and assess the changes since the last study of 2002. Patients and Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 504 persons with diabetes who were following at Benghazi diabetes center during June and July in 2020. Results: The age was, mean ± standard deviation; 57.8 ±12.3 years. with equal sex split. A quarter (24.8%) of participants graduated from a university/college. About half of the patients were obese (48.4%) Hypertension and dyslipidemia were found in 35.1% and 42.1%. respectively. The mean glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 8.3% ±1.7%. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was practiced by 20.2% of all patients, Less than two thirds (63.5%) of all patients had diabetes eye screening within the previous year. However, none of the participants had ever had a comprehensive feet examination. Ramadan fasting was observed by most of participants (95.4%). Conclusions: There is an improvement regarding annual eye examination, taking the medications regularly, SMBG, assessment of lipid profile, and regular follow-up with HbA1c in comparison with the practice in 2002. On the other hand, there is a decline in having comprehensive feet examination, practicing regular exercise, and diet control. The uncovered gaps in diabetes care need urgent attention.