Predictors of Poor Plasma Glucose Maintenance in Type II Diabetic People with Ophthalmic Complication: The Case of Dessie Hospitals in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus, the commonest metabolic disorder, leads to cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems, kidney injury, and visual disturbances. Such complications can be prevented by maintaining plasma glucose level in the normal range, including ophthalmic complications. Hence, this study intended to pinpoint predictors of poor plasma glucose maintenance in type II DM people with ophthalmic complication. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using simple random sampling approach to recruit participants. An interviewer-based questionnaire was used and ophthalmic complication was determined by visual acuity test. We used statistical package for social sciences version 23 to analyze the data and descriptive statistics were calculated. Predictors were ascertained using multivariable logistic regression at p≤0.05. Besides, AOR with 95% CI was also estimated to show extent of association. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor plasma glucose maintenance was 65.1% (56.6–73.6). Poor plasma maintenance was predicted by the absence of formal education (OR: 0.67; 0.20–2.23), DM history of family members (OR=4.29; 1.33–13.83), longer duration of diabetes (OR: 3.02; 1.09–8.63), insulin use (OR=10.05; 2.72–52.35), and less physical exercise (OR=2.91; 1.47–5.76). CONCLUSION: Study subjects with no education, DM history of family members, prolonged DM, insulin medication, and inadequate exercise had higher rate of poor plasma glucose maintenance. Health professionals should educate patients on the importance of self-adherence to plasma glucose monitoring, and encourage them to practice recommended physical activity.