Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Associated Complications of Diabetic Patients Attending Al-Wafaa Diabetes Center, Mosul: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

- Background: Diabetes mellitus represents a significant health challenge in post-conflict regions like Mosul, Iraq, where population-specific data remains limited.

Objective: To examine demographic characteristics, risk factors, complications, and analyze associations between modifiable risks and complication onset among diabetic patients.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Wafaa Diabetes Center from October 2023 to March 2024. A simple random sample of 140 diabetic patients was recruited. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and medical records. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS v24.

Results: The mean age was 48.96 ± 14.42 years, with 54.3% males. Type 2 diabetes predominated (81%). Key findings included: 76% of participants reported no physical activity; 57.1% were overweight/obese. Prevalent complications were retinopathy (27.1%), cardiovascular disease (25.7%), and neuropathy (25.0%). Neuropathy developed earliest (7.9 ± 3.5 years; p=0.023). Physical inactivity significantly increased neuropathy risk (aOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.2–5.3), and obesity independently predicted cardiovascular disease (aOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.2).

Conclusion: Sedentary lifestyle and obesity are strongly linked to complications, with neuropathy manifesting earliest. Early screening and targeted lifestyle interventions are urgently needed.