Control of cardiovascular risk in black Africans with type 2 diabetes in Senegal

INTRODUCTION: Morbidity and mortality from diabetes are compounded by associated cardiovascular risk factors. For this reason, taking care of these risk factors is a public health goal. In this study we evaluated the level of control of cardiovascular risk factors in black Africans with type 2 diabetes in Senegal. METHODS: Between March 2007 and July 2008, we recruited type 2 diabetes patients from outpatient care in a specialised hospital in Senegal. Data were collected on a survey form designed for this purpose. An electrocardiogram and laboratory examinations were also performed. The level of control of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors were assessed, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). RESULTS: A total of 318 type 2 diabetes subjects (237 women) were recruited. The average age was 58.2 ± 9.2 years (40–85). The mean duration of diabetes was 6.9 ± 5.9 years. The average glycaemic level was 1.4 ± 0.5 g/l and glycated haemoglobin was 7.6 ± 3.2%. The average length of patient follow up was 6.7 ± 6.1 years with a single annual consultation; 63.2% of the patients were on an insulin + biguanide combination, with good diabetes control (HbA(1c) < 7%) in 25% of cases. Antihypertensive drugs were prescribed in 28.1% of hypertensive patients. More than half (51.9%) of these hypertensive patients were treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Their blood pressure was well controlled (< 130/85 mmHg) in 5.4% of the hypertensive patients (10/185). The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goal was achieved in 18.5% of cases (5/27). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is higher among black Africans suffering from type 2 diabetes. The control of these factors was not optimal in our study.