Analysis of cardiovascular risk factors: a retrospective epidemiological study in Guinea in 2022.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents a comprehensive descriptive and comparative analysis of a Guinean cohort, focusing on geographical variables and medical histories in relation to family backgrounds and cardiovascular risk scores. The primary goal is to enhance understanding of cardiovascular risk factor distribution within the Guinean population and identify significant correlations among the investigated variables. PATIENTS & METHODS: In this retrospective study, data from 2435 Guinean patients in 2022 were analyzed based on demographic and medical variables. Cardiovascular risk scores were calculated following Guinea's national program guidelines for non-communicable disease prevention and control. Rigorous data collection, including retrospective analyses and screening campaigns, was conducted in collaboration with the Fondation pour le Diabète et les Maladies Non Transmissibles de Conakry. Statistical tests, including one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson Chi², V Cramer, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U, were applied for a comprehensive comparative analysis. RESULTS: Analysis across five cardiovascular risk score levels revealed significant variations in gender, region, and tuberculosis prevalence. Gender differences were notable, with a female predominance in both groups, slightly higher in the 10 % or more risk group. The higher-risk group exhibited a greater proportion of fasting blood glucose measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Effectively assessing and managing hypertension, diabetes, and other pathologies requires considering factors such as geographic area, family history, cardiovascular risk score, and gender for accurate evaluation. These factors influence pathology prevalence and should be considered in individualized prevention and management strategies. The study underscores the importance of tailored measures to enhance disease management and reduce associated risks.

Estimating the total incidence of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years from 1990 to 2050: a global simulation-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of type 1 diabetes in childhood and adolescence have found large variations in reported incidence around the world. However, it is unclear whether these reported incidence levels are impacted by differences in country health systems and possible underdiagnosis and if so, to what degree. The aim of this study was to estimate both the total and diagnosed incidence of type 1 diabetes globally and to project childhood type 1 diabetes incidence indicators from 1990 to 2050 for each country. METHODS: We developed the type 1 diabetes global microsimulation model to simulate the natural history and diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for children and adolescents (aged 0-19 years) in 200 countries and territories, accounting for variability in underlying incidence and health system performance. The model follows an open population of children and adolescents in monthly intervals and simulates type 1 diabetes incidence and progression, as well as health system factors which influence diagnosis. We calibrated the model to published data on type 1 diabetes incidence, autoantibody profiles, and proportion of cases diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis from 1990 to 2020 and assessed the predictive accuracy using a randomly sampled test set of data withheld from calibration. FINDINGS: We estimate that in 2021 there were 355 900 (95% UI 334 200-377 300) total new cases of type 1 diabetes globally among children and adolescents, of which 56% (200 400 cases, 95% UI 180 600-219 500) were diagnosed. Estimated underdiagnosis varies substantially by region, with over 95% of new cases diagnosed in Australia and New Zealand, western and northern Europe, and North America, but less than 35% of new cases diagnosed in west Africa, south and southeastern Asia, and Melanesia. The total number of incident childhood cases of type 1 diabetes is projected to increase to 476 700 (95% UI 449 500-504 300) in 2050. INTERPRETATION: Our research indicates that the total global incidence of childhood and adolescent type 1 diabetes is larger than previously estimated, with nearly one-in-two children currently undiagnosed. Policymakers should plan for adequate diagnostic and medical capacity to improve timely type 1 diabetes detection and treatment, particularly as incidence is projected to increase worldwide, with highest numbers of new cases in Africa. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk.

Tuberculosis prevalence and associated factors among persons with diabetes mellitus after intensified case finding in three West African countries.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and associated factors in persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Benin, Guinea and Senegal. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the largest DM center in each country. Participants systematically underwent clinical screening and chest radiography. Participants who were symptomatic or with abnormal radiography underwent bacteriological investigations (sputum smear, Xpert MTB/RIF and culture) on sputum. Participants with no TB at enrolment were re-examined for TB six months later. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with TB. RESULTS: There were 5,870 DM patients: 1,881 (32.0%) in Benin, 1,912 (32.6%) in Guinea and 2,077 (35.4%) in Senegal. Out of these, 114 had bacteriologically-confirmed TB, giving a pooled prevalence of 1.9% (95%CI=1.6-2.3). TB prevalence was 0.5% (95%CI=0.3-1.0), 2.4% (95%CI=1.8-3.2) and 2.8% (95%CI=2.2-3.6), respectively, in Benin, Guinea and Senegal. Factors associated with an increased odds of TB diagnosis were a usual residence in Guinea (aOR=2.62;95%CI=1.19-5.77; p=0.016) or in Senegal (aOR=3.73;95%CI=1.85-7.51; p<0.001), the age group of 35-49 years (aOR=2.30;95%CI=1.11-4.79; p=0.025), underweight (aOR=7.34;95%CI=4.65-11.57; p<0.001) and close contact with a TB case (aOR=2.27;95%CI=1.37-3.76; p=0.002). Obesity was associated with lower odds of TB (aOR=0.20; 95%CI=0.06-0.65; p=0.008). CONCLUSION: TB is prevalent among DM patients in Benin, Guinea and Senegal and higher than among the general population. The findings support the need for intensified case finding in DM patients in order to ensure systematic early detection of TB during the routine consultation process.

Race/ethnicity and challenges for optimal insulin therapy.

AIMS: We aimed to review insulin dosing recommendations, insulin regulation and its determinants, glycaemic response to carbohydrates, and the efficacy and safety of insulin therapy in different races/ethnicities. METHODS: We searched for articles in PubMed and Google Scholar databases up to 31 March 2021, with the following keywords: "ethnicity", "diabetes", "insulin", "history of insulin", "insulin therapy", "food/rice", "carbohydrate intake", "insulin resistance", "BMI", "insulin dosing", "insulin sensitivity", "insulin response", "glycaemic index", "glycaemic response", "efficacy and safety", with interposition of the Boolean operator "AND".In addition, we reviewed the reference lists of the articles found. RESULTS: The differential effect of race/ethnicity has not yet been considered in current insulin therapy guidelines. Nevertheless, body size and composition, body mass index, fat distribution, diet, storage, and energy expenditure vary significantly across populations. Further, insulin sensitivity, insulin response, and glycaemicresponse to carbohydrates differ by ethnicity. These disparities may lead to different insulin requirements, adversely impacting the efficacy and safety of insulin therapy among ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Race/ethnicity affects glucose metabolism and insulin regulation.Until now, international guidelines addressing racial/ethnic-specific clinical recommendations are limited. Comprehensive updated insulin therapy guidelines by ethnicity are urgently needed.

Sociodemographic inequities associated with participation in leisure-time physical activity in sub-Saharan Africa: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is an important contributor to total physical activity and the focus of many interventions promoting activity in high-income populations. Little is known about LTPA in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and with expected declines in physical activity due to rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes we aimed to assess the sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of LTPA in the adult populations of this region to identify potential barriers for equitable participation. METHODS: A two-step individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using data collected in SSA through 10 population health surveys that included the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. For each sociodemographic characteristic, the pooled adjusted prevalence and risk ratios (RRs) for participation in LTPA were calculated using the random effects method. Between-study heterogeneity was explored through meta-regression analyses and tests for interaction. RESULTS: Across the 10 populations (N = 26,022), 18.9% (95%CI: 14.3, 24.1; I2 = 99.0%) of adults (≥ 18 years) participated in LTPA. Men were more likely to participate in LTPA compared with women (RR for women: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.32, 0.60; P < 0.001; I2 = 97.5%), while age was inversely associated with participation. Higher levels of education were associated with increased LTPA participation (RR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.09, 1.55; P = 0.004; I2 = 98.1%), with those living in rural areas or self-employed less likely to participate in LTPA. These associations remained after adjusting for time spent physically active at work or through active travel. CONCLUSIONS: In these populations, participation in LTPA was low, and strongly associated with sex, age, education, self-employment and urban residence. Identifying the potential barriers that reduce participation in these groups is necessary to enable equitable access to the health and social benefits associated with LTPA.

Expert Opinion: Patient Selection for Premixed Insulin Formulations in Diabetes Care.

Premixed insulins are an important tool for glycemic control in persons with diabetes. Equally important in diabetes care is the selection of the most appropriate insulin regimen for a particular individual at a specific time. Currently, the choice of insulin regimens for initiation or intensification of therapy is a subjective decision. In this article, we share insights, which will help in rational and objective selection of premixed formulations for initiation and intensification of insulin therapy. The glycemic status and its variations in a person help to identify the most appropriate insulin regimen and formulation for him or her. The evolution of objective glucometric indices has enabled better glycemic monitoring of individuals with diabetes. Management of diabetes has evolved from a 'glucocentric' approach to a 'patient-centered' approach; patient characteristics, needs, and preferences should be evaluated when considering premixed insulin for treatment of diabetes.Funding: Novo Nordisk, India.

Food Consumption, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Salt in Urban Areas in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries.

High salt intake is a major risk factor of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to salt intake in the general population is a key component of salt reduction strategies. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the KAP of adults related to salt in urban areas of five countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The survey included 588 participants aged 25 to 65 years who were selected using convenience samples in the urban areas of Benin, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, and Seychelles. Socio-demographic and food consumption were assessed using a structured closed-ended questionnaire administered by survey officers. Height, weight, and blood pressure were measured. Food consumption varied largely between countries. Processed foods high in salt, such as processed meat, cheese, pizzas, and savory snacks were consumed rather infrequently in all the countries, but salt-rich foods, such as soups or bread and salty condiments, were consumed frequently in all countries. The majority of the participants knew that high salt intake can cause health problems (85%) and thought that it is important to limit salt intake (91%). However, slightly over half (56%) of the respondents regularly tried to limit their salt intake while only 8% of the respondents thought that they consumed too much salt. Salt and salty condiments were added most of the time during cooking (92% and 64%, respectively) but rarely at the table (11%). These findings support the need for education campaigns to reduce salt added during cooking and for strategies to reduce salt content in selected manufactured foods in the region.

Improving access to HbA1c in sub-Saharan Africa (IA3) cohort: cohort profile.

INTRODUCTION: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is the best surrogate of average blood glucose control in diabetic patients, and lowering HbA1c significantly reduces diabetes complications. Moreover, immediate feedback of HbA1c measurement to patients may improve control. However, HbA1c is unavailable in most parts of Africa, a continent with one of the highest burden of diabetes. To translate these evidences, we are conducting a multicentric project in 10 health care facilities in Guinea and Cameroon to evaluate the feasibility and one-year benefit of affordable HbA1c measurement with immediate feedback to patients on diabetes control and related outcomes. PARTICIPANTS: We consecutively enrolled patients with diabetes mellitus independently of the type of disease. We hypothesised an average 1%-decrease in HbA1c in a 1000-patient study population, with a 20% increase in the number of patients reaching treatment goals within 12 months of intervention and follow-up. FINDINGS TO DATE: A total of 1, 349 diabetic patients aged 56.2±12.6 years are enrolled (813 in Cameroon and 536 in Guinea) of whom 59.8% are women. The mean duration of diabetes is 7.4±6.3 years and baseline HbA1c is 9.7±2.6% in Guinea and 8.6±2.5% in Cameroon. FUTURE PLANS: To investigate whether the introduction of routine HbA1c measurement with immediate feedback to patients and provision of relevant education would improve diabetes control after one year. The impact of the intervention on diabetes associated-complications and mortality warrant further assessment in the long term.

Association between depression, glycaemic control and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in a diabetic population in Cameroon.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing especially in low- and middle-income countries in which 75% of the world's diabetic population reside. The macro- and microvascular complications of diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy are also set to increase in these populations.The relationship between depression and glycaemic control has been established in high-income countries, but evidence from low- and middle-income countries is scarce. This research aimed to determine an association between depression and glycaemic control and record the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in a diabetic population in Cameroon. METHODS: Analysis of cross-sectional data from the 'Improving access to HbA1c measurements in sub-Saharan Africa' study was used. Primary data were collected from six diabetic care facilities in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Participants were aged ≥ 18 years with at least a 6-month history of diabetes. Depression was assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A CES-D score ≥ 16 was used to identify the presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms. Data on glycaemic control were measured using HbA1c measurements at baseline. The presence of diabetic retinopathy was established through ophthalmoscopy and angiography using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study classification. RESULTS: A total of 261 participants were included in the study, and information on depressive symptoms at baseline (CES-D score) were available for 240 participants. The results of the data analysis found that 60% of the study participants had clinically significant depressive symptoms (CES-D > 16). A weak non-significant positive correlation was found between CES-D score and HbA1c level (p = 0.46, r = 0.05) using the Pearson's correlation co-efficient. Gender and attendance to a patient support group were significantly associated with the presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms. Poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was found in 72.8% of the population. Educational level and insulin use were significantly associated with glycaemic control.The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 27.2% (23.4% non-proliferative, 2.5% pre-proliferative and 3.2% proliferative), and the prevalence of diabetic maculopathy was 10.0%. CONCLUSION: The study found that a large proportion of diabetic patients may be experiencing depressive symptoms for which they are currently not receiving treatment or support. We also found a large proportion to have poor glycaemic control that is known to worsen the vascular complications of diabetes. In light of the increasing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, it is important that the recognition of depressive symptoms becomes integrated into future healthcare policies in the nations of sub-Saharan Africa. This research suggests that individuals experiencing depressive symptoms may be more likely to engage in patient support groups. These groups can be beneficial in providing patients with diabetes valuable information, which could lead to better glycaemic control.

Prevalence and awareness of diabetes in Guinea: findings from a WHO STEPS

Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes, and to assess its awareness and related risk factors among adult Guineans.Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1 100 adults (46.6% women) aged 35­64 years from Lower Guinea, during September to December 2009, using the WHO STEPwise approach of surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Data were collected in three steps: demographic and behavioural risk factors, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood cholesterol and glucose testing. A multi-stage cluster sample design was applied to generate nationwide representative data.Results: The mean age of all participants was 47.3 years (SD 8.8), similarly in Conakry, rural Lower Guinea and urban Lower Guinea. The prevalence of diabetes was 5.7% (95% CI 4.0­8.1). Among participants with diabetes, only 44.0% were aware of their status. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, determinants of diabetes prevalence were urban residency, male sex, age group 45­64 years, increased waist circumference, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Male sex, rural residency, age group 45­54 years, no formal education, waist circumference, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were independent predictors of screen-detected diabetes.Conclusion: The present study found a high prevalence and low awareness of diabetes, suggesting the need for appropriate actions to strengthen primary healthcare approaches towards non-communicable diseases in Guinea

Diabetes diagnosis and care in sub-Saharan Africa: pooled analysis of individual data from 12 countries.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread recognition that the burden of diabetes is rapidly growing in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, nationally representative estimates of unmet need for diabetes diagnosis and care are in short supply for the region. We use national population-based survey data to quantify diabetes prevalence and met and unmet need for diabetes diagnosis and care in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We further estimate demographic and economic gradients of met need for diabetes diagnosis and care. METHODS: We did a pooled analysis of individual-level data from nationally representative population-based surveys that met the following inclusion criteria: the data were collected during 2005-15; the data were made available at the individual level; a biomarker for diabetes was available in the dataset; and the dataset included information on use of core health services for diabetes diagnosis and care. We first quantified the population in need of diabetes diagnosis and care by estimating the prevalence of diabetes across the surveys; we also quantified the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as a major risk factor for diabetes and an indicator of need for diabetes screening. Second, we determined the level of met need for diabetes diagnosis, preventive counselling, and treatment in both the diabetic and the overweight and obese population. Finally, we did survey fixed-effects regressions to establish the demographic and economic gradients of met need for diabetes diagnosis, counselling, and treatment. FINDINGS: We pooled data from 12 nationally representative population-based surveys in sub-Saharan Africa, representing 38 311 individuals with a biomarker measurement for diabetes. Across the surveys, the median prevalence of diabetes was 5% (range 2-14) and the median prevalence of overweight or obesity was 27% (range 16-68). We estimated seven measures of met need for diabetes-related care across the 12 surveys: (1) percentage of the overweight or obese population who received a blood glucose measurement (median 22% [IQR 11-37]); and percentage of the diabetic population who reported that they (2) had ever received a blood glucose measurement (median 36% [IQR 27-63]); (3) had ever been told that they had diabetes (median 27% [IQR 22-51]); (4) had ever been counselled to lose weight (median 15% [IQR 13-23]); (5) had ever been counselled to exercise (median 15% [IQR 11-30]); (6) were using oral diabetes drugs (median 25% [IQR 18-42]); and (7) were using insulin (median 11% [IQR 6-13]). Compared with those aged 15-39 years, the adjusted odds of met need for diabetes diagnosis (measures 1-3) were 2·22 to 3·53 (40-54 years) and 3·82 to 5·01 (≥55 years) times higher. The adjusted odds of met need for diabetes diagnosis also increased consistently with educational attainment and were between 3·07 and 4·56 higher for the group with 8 years or more of education than for the group with less than 1 year of education. Finally, need for diabetes care was significantly more likely to be met (measures 4-7) in the oldest age and highest educational groups. INTERPRETATION: Diabetes has already reached high levels of prevalence in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Large proportions of need for diabetes diagnosis and care in the region remain unmet, but the patterns of unmet need vary widely across the countries in our sample. Novel health policies and programmes are urgently needed to increase awareness of diabetes and to expand coverage of preventive counselling, diagnosis, and linkage to diabetes care. Because the probability of met need for diabetes diagnosis and care consistently increases with age and educational attainment, policy makers should pay particular attention to improved access to diabetes services for young adults and people with low educational attainment. FUNDING: None.

Simple calculator to estimate the medical cost of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa.

AIM: To design a medical cost calculator and show that diabetes care is beyond reach of the majority particularly patients with complications. METHODS: Out-of-pocket expenditures of patients for medical treatment of type-2 diabetes were estimated based on price data collected in Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali. A detailed protocol for realistic medical care of diabetes and its complications in the African context was defined. Care components were based on existing guidelines, published data and clinical experience. Prices were obtained in public and private health facilities. The cost calculator used Excel. The cost for basic management of uncomplicated diabetes was calculated per person and per year. Incremental costs were also computed per annum for chronic complications and per episode for acute complications. RESULTS: Wide variations of estimated care costs were observed among countries and between the public and private healthcare system. The minimum estimated cost for the treatment of uncomplicated diabetes (in the public sector) would amount to 21%-34% of the country's gross national income per capita, 26%-47% in the presence of retinopathy, and above 70% for nephropathy, the most expensive complication. CONCLUSION: The study provided objective evidence for the exorbitant medical cost of diabetes considering that no medical insurance is available in the study countries. Although the calculator only estimates the cost of inaction, it is innovative and of interest for several stakeholders.

Study of the effect of altitude on the measurement of glycated haemoglobin using point-of-care instruments.

We measured the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of a total of 24 non-diabetic volunteers and diabetic patients using a point-of-care (POC) analyser in three Cameroonian cities at different altitudes. Although 12 to 25% of duplicates had more than 0.5% (8 mmol/mol) difference across the sites, HbA1c values correlated significantly (r = 0.89-0.96). Further calibration studies against gold-standard measures are warranted.

Poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes in the South of the Sahara: the issue of limited access to an HbA1c test.

BACKGROUND: Management of type 2 diabetes remains a challenge in Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes living in sub-Saharan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1267 people (61% women) with type 2 diabetes (mean age 58 years) recruited across health facilities in Cameroon and Guinea. Predictors of poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.0% (53 mmol/mol)) were investigated via logistic regressions. RESULTS: The mean body mass index was 27.4 ± 5.8 kg/m(2), and 74% of patients had poor glycemic control. Predictors of poor glycemic control in multivariable regression models were recruitment in Guinea [odd ratio: 2.91 (95% confidence interval 2.07 to 4.11)], age <65 years [1.40 (1.04 to 1.88)], diabetes duration ≥3 years [2.36 (1.74 to 3.21)], treatment with: oral glucose control agents [3.46 (2.28 to 5.26)], insulin alone or with oral glucose control agents [7.74 (4.70 to 12.74)] and absence of a previous HbA1c measurement in Guinea [2.96 (1.30 to 6.75)]. CONCLUSION: Poor control of blood glucose is common in patients with type 2 diabetes in these two countries. Limited access to HbA1c appears to be a key factor associated with poor glycemic control in Guinea, and should be addressed by health policies targeting improvement in the outcomes of diabetes care.