Diabetes mellitus at a rural hospital in northwestern Tanzania.
During the 5-year period 1978-82, 120 diabetic patients were admitted to a rural hospital in Tanzania. They were admitted a total of 172 times, which was 1.0% of all admissions corresponding to 1.7% of all admission days. Most diabetics were between 40-60 years of age (mean age 49 years). Sixty-one patients were newly discovered cases. During the period, 11 patients (9.2%) died and 20% were lost to follow up. At present 71% are attending a diabetic clinic but only 58% do so regularly and with a good compliance. At this clinic 45% are treated with insulin, 46% with oral agents and 8% with diet alone. The study indicates a need for improved detection and motivation for follow up, and also shows the pressure diabetes exerts on a rural hospital in Tanzania at present.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D013636:Tanzania