HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND OBESITY AMONG DIABETICS AT JUBAIL MIILTARY HOSPITAL

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the pattern of dyslipidemia and obesity among diabetics, attending the Primary Care Clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All diabetics (282) registered in the Primary Care Clinic of the Armed Forces Hospital at King Abdulaziz Naval Base, Jubail, Eastern Saudi Arabia, were interviewed by primary care doctors. Weight and height were recorded; fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels were measured after 12-hour fasting. RESULTS: The study revealed that among 89.7% type 2 and 10.3% type 1 diabetes mellitus, 22.7% had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) 40.8% were overweight, and 36.5%, obese. Females had a significantly higher BMI than males (P<0.001). Total cholesterol was more than normal in 26%, LDL in 27% and Triglycerides in 11% but HDL lower than normal in 38%. However, mixed hyperlipidemia was seen in 5% of the study population. CONCLUSION: Obesity and dyslipidemia were high among diabetic patients and special attention is required in prevention and treatment.