[Chronic complications, hypertension and obesity in diabetic patients living in Cartagena, Colombia].
OBJECTIVE
Identifying the presence of chronic complications and evaluating obesity and hypertension control in diabetic patients taking part in a control and monitoring programme in Cartagena, Colombia.


METHODS
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which reviewed 499 medical records from a basic health care unit in Cartagena during 2006. Sociodemographic data (age and sex) and other information concerning disease stage, hypertension, obesity, chronic complications and attending control appointments were collected using a structured form.


RESULTS
161 (32%) of the patients had chronic complications, the most frequently occurring being neuropathy (41%) and nephropathy (29%). More complications were found in older patients. Neuropathy predominated in women (48.1%) and nephropathy in men (45.6%); 80% of the patients were suffering from hypertension. There was no significant difference between those who had complications and those who did not (83.2 % and 77.2%, respectively). Only 29% of the patients had normal weight, the rest were obese (31%) or overweight (40%). Patients with complications attended control appointments less frequently.


CONCLUSIONS
Body weight control strategies must be strengthened, as must hypertension and foot care strategies. An active search for retinopathy must be made to postpone or prevent the onset of chronic complications.
Alayón
Alicia N
AN
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. alinorala@gmail.com
Altamar-López
Diana
D
Banquez-Buelvas
Clara
C
Barrios-López
Karen
K
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D003105:Colombia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies