ABSTRACT
Background: Depression associated with diabetes is one of major obstacles in diabetic patient management. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated risk factors among diabetic patients of both types (I and II). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among adult diabetic patients attending the diabetic center. An interview-validated questionnaire was utilized to collect data. It consists of three main parts: demographic data, diabetic assessment tool, and patient health questionnaire-9. Results: A total of 386 diabetic patients were included. The age of them ranged between 17 and 95 years with an arithmetic mean of 53.4 years and a standard deviation of ± 18.2 years. Almost two-thirds (62.2%) were males. The prevalence of depression among diabetic patients was 48.2%, mostly of mild (31.4%) or moderate severity (12.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female diabetic patients were at almost double-fold risk of developing depression compared to males [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.70-4.38], P < 0.001. Also, type II diabetic patients were at almost double-fold risk of developing depression compared to type I diabetic patients (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.16-3.67), P = 0.013. Patients with history of any social issue with the family, relatives, or friends were at about three-fold risk of developing depression compared to those without such history (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.11-5.66), P < 0.001. Patients who reported compliance to diet were at higher risk for developing depression compared to their peers (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.25-5.28), P = 0.010, while those compliant to physical activity about 150 min/week or more were at significant lower risk to develop depression (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35-0.89), P = 0.015. Patients with nephropathy or neuropathy were more likely to have depression compared to their counterparts (AOR = 2.52. 95% CI: 1.33-4.80, P = 0.005 and AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.11-2.90, P = 0.016, respectively). Conclusion: Depression is a very prevalent problem affecting diabetic patients, particularly those of type II, female patients, and those with nephropathy or neuropathy. Therefore, regular screening of diabetic patients for depression and referral of severe cases to psychiatric care are highly warranted.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide, administered either by weekly subcutaneous (SC) injection or orally, in real-life practice in Saudi Arabia in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A retrospective chart review study was conducted at 18 Saudi Arabia centers. An accredited centralized institutional review board approved the study. Medical records were included for individuals of any age ≥ 18 years with uncontrolled T2DM. The primary outcome measure was the laboratory glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Secondary measures included fasting blood glucose (FBG), weight, and hypoglycemia. All variables were checked after 6 and 12 months of semaglutide initiation. RESULTS: The analysis of this study included 1223 patients with uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c > 7%). The mean (SD) baseline HbA1c was 10.02% (1.17). HbA1c was reduced by an average of 3.02% (0.84) and 3.17% (0.84) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Results of a repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences in HbA1c (p value < 0.001). HbA1c levels at 6 and 12 months were significantly lower, 7.00% (0.70) and 6.85% (0.69), than at baseline, 10.02% (1.17). About 193 patients (56.4%) of the 295 patients having HbA1c < 9% achieved HbA1c of 5.7% or less. The frequency of hypoglycemia events was 4.60 (1.10) in the 3 months before semaglutide was initiated. The frequency of hypoglycemia events in the last 3 months was 2.30 (0.80) events and 0.80 (0.50) events at 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits, respectively. The percent reduction in body mass index (BMI) was an average of 13.07% (1.53) and 19.89% (4.07) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Lipid profile and blood pressure were improved at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Semaglutide, administered either by SC injection or orally, provided substantial glycemic and weight-loss benefits in adults with T2DM.
