title: Pattern of biochemistry laboratory requests and results in north eastern Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Deficient action of insulin is associated with derangement of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Determination of the extent of such derangement in steady state type 2 diabetic patients enhances management planning and prevents diabetic complications. This is necessary in a poor resource setting where functional national health insurance scheme is not available. The study aimed at assessing the level of plasma glucose and lipids, renal function, total calcium, inorganic phosphates and albumin and their relevance in steady state type 2 diabetic patients in north-eastern Nigeria in order to minimize the cost of laboratory investigations while preventing diabetic complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and eighteen steady state type 2-diabetic patients were recruited at the Chemical pathology laboratory of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital over a period of one year. Tests requested by the Clinicians for steady state diabetics were collated, the pattern of biochemistry laboratory requests and results were determined. The mean and standard deviation of the results were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of the 218 steady state diabetics, only 48 (22.2 % ) had good short-term glycaemic control (fasting blood glucose < 7mmol/l). No test for long-term glycaemic control was requested during the study period. Lipid profile and protein assessment were carried out in 30% and 52.3 % of the patients respectively. Biochemical tests were not optimally utilised and this resulted in poor glycaemic control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Proper utilisation of laboratory tests for adequate long-term glycaemic control through team work approach with laboratory physicians are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P. O. Box 4108, Gwange Post Office, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Gadzama
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Mshelia
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nyandaiti
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003906:Developing Countries; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010710:Phosphates / Q000097:blood; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D014508:Urea / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D010710:Phosphates; D012709:Serum Albumin; D014508:Urea; D003404:Creatinine; D002118:Calcium