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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health crisis, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Iraq, prevalence is estimated at 12–15%, yet comprehensive local data on patient profiles remain scarce. Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic, clinical, nutritional, and laboratory profile of diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital in Babylon, Iraq. Patients and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adult diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2) admitted to the endocrinology unit of Marjan Teaching Hospital from December 2025 to May 2026. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews, medical records, and laboratory reports. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) were used. Results: Mean age was 57 ± 14 years; 60–69 years was the most common age group (36.0%). Sex distribution was nearly equal (49.5% male, 50.5% female). Illiteracy (30.0%), housewife occupation (49.0%), rural residence (54.5%), and low income (47.0%) were frequent. Type 2 diabetes dominated (86.0%); 51.5% had diabetes for >10 years. Glycemic control was poor (mean HbA1c 8.61%). Diabetes complications were present in 86.5%, hypertension in 65.5%, and dyslipidemia in 71.5%. Obesity (42.5%) and overweight (32.0%) were common; 20.0% had unintentional weight loss >5%. Decreased appetite (33.5%), reduced food intake (52.5%), chewing/swallowing difficulties (48.0%), and constipation (35.0%) were prevalent. Mean hemoglobin was 13.26 g/dL, creatinine 72.89 μmol/L, urea 4.70 mmol/L, and cholesterol 4.72 mmol/L. Conclusions: Diabetic patients in this Iraqi tertiary hospital are predominantly older, socio-economically disadvantaged, with long disease duration, poor glycemic control, high complication rates, obesity, and frequent gastrointestinal symptoms. Integrated, multidisciplinary care models addressing these multiple domains are urgently needed.

Keywords

Diabetes mellitus, Socio-demographic factors, Iraq, Cross-sectional study

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