PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS IN AL-KHOBAR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS

OBJECTIVES: This study estimates the prevalence of obesity among Type 2 diabetic patients who are followed in mini clinics (hypertension, diabetes) in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Al-Khobar. METHODS: Retrospective study reviewing all diabetic patient files registered in PHC centers in the Al- Khobar area from May 2000 to October 2001. RESULTS: Of the 382 diabetic patients followed in PHC, 88.7% were type 2 diabetics, and according to WHO classification of obesity 0.7% were underweight. Only 21.8% of type 2 diabetic patients were in their ideal range of body weight. While 31.2% were overweight (BMI in the range of 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)), 39.9% of the type 2 diabetic patients were found to be obese (BMI= 30 - 39.9 kg / m(2)), and 6.3% had morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg / m(2)). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of overweight and obesity in type 2 diabetics is associated with other serious complications. This study emphasizes the importance of training health care providers for the proper follow-up of patients.