Early detection of poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: a cohort study in Mozambique

INTRODUCTION: WHO estimates 422 million cases of diabetes mellitus worldwide. Mozambique has the second-highest mortality related to DM in the African region. Objectives of the present study are to provide data about a DM care service in Mozambique and to evaluate early outcomes of treatment. METHODS: The new patients diagnosed with DM in a two-years period in a health centre in Maputo (Mozambique) were included in a retrospective cohort study. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), waist circumference (WC) and BMI were collected at baseline and after three months. RESULTS: 188 patients were enrolled. Median BMI, WC and FBG at baseline were respectively 28 kg/m2(Inter Quartile Range [IQR]23.4–31.8), 98cm (IQR 87–105) and 209mg/dL (IQR 143–295). A non-pharmacological intervention was prescribed for six patients, while 182 patients received metformin 500 mg b.i.d. FBG was significantly reduced at control (226[±103.7]mg/dL vs 186[±93.2]mg/dL, p<0.000); however, glycemic control was reached in 74 patients (39.4%); not controlled patients changed regimen. Elderly patients had a higher glycemic control (adjusted Odds Ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.11–5.06, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Strategies for early detection of scarce glycemic control are feasible in Mozambique and could lead to prompt regimen switch; an invasive therapeutic approach could be preferable in selected cases to achieve control.