Prevalence of Dyslipidaemia, Obesity and Vitamin d Insufficiency Among Patients Attending the Diabetic Clinic at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemia, obesity and vitamin D insufficiency are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and may increase the risk for severe COVID-19 among individuals with Diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia, obesity and vitamin D insufficiency among patients attending the diabetes clinic at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. METHODS: A total of 102 participants were included in the cross-sectional study. Medical data were collected, and anthropometric measurements were performed. Blood samples were collected for HbA1C, serum lipogram and vitamin D analyses. Associated risk factors for dyslipidaemia and vitamin D insufficiency were assessed. RESULTS: A proportion of 74% of the participants had dyslipidaemia. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol dyslipidaemia was the most common form of dyslipidaemia (52%). Overweight and obesity was prevalent in 58% of the participants. The median (IQR) HBA1C level was 11% (9-14 %). Overweight or obesity and age over 30 years were risks for dyslipidaemia (RR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1 – 1.6), p=0.04, and RR 2.2 (95% CI 1.2 – 4.7) p=0.003, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the study group was 76%. HBA1C of > 7% was positively associated with vitamin D insufficiency (RR 1.6 (CI 1.0 – 2.8), p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Dyslipidaemia, obesity, and vitamin D insufficiency were highly prevalent in the study group. Poorly controlled blood glucose was associated with vitamin D insufficiency. The high prevalence of dyslipidaemia, obesity and vitamin D deficiency are the possible precipitating factors for the increasing rates of cardiovascular events and COVID-19 severity among patients with diabetes in Malawi.