Search Results (85)

Background and Objectives: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are closely linked and associated with a higher risk of complications. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of once-weekly semaglutide in achieving a composite endpoint of A1C and weight reduction. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study assessed the effectiveness of semaglutide in obese patients with T2D at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. This study included patients who received semaglutide treatment for 12 months, and the endpoint was reducing A1C by ≥ 1% and body weight by ≥ 5% after 12 months of starting semaglutide. Secondary endpoints include predictors of achieving the composite endpoint and the effect on the lipid profile. Results: The present study enrolled 459 participants, with dyslipidemia and hypertension being the most common comorbidities. After 12 months of treatment with semaglutide, 42% of the patients achieved the composite endpoint. Semaglutide significantly reduced weight, BMI, A1C, FBG, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. The subgroup analysis showed that patients who achieved the composite endpoint were younger and had significantly lower use of insulin. Females in the study had significantly higher BMI, A1C, and HDL levels and lower levels of triglycerides compared to males. Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline BMI (aOR = 0.953; 95% CI: 0.915 to 0.992; p = 0.02), baseline A1C (aOR = 1.213; 95% CI: 1.062 to 1.385; p = 0.004), and receiving insulin (aOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.343; p = 0.007) were significant predictors of composite endpoint achievement. Conclusions: Semaglutide is a valuable option for the treatment of obese patients with T2D. This study found that semaglutide is effective in reducing weight and A1C and improving the lipid profile. The predictors of achievement of the composite endpoint were lower baseline BMI, higher baseline A1C, and insulin non-use. Full article

Background: The global increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases necessitates the need for early detection of metabolic changes. This study investigated variations in liver enzymes, renal markers, electrolytes, and lipid profiles among T2DM patients stratified by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) categories to support early identification and better management of diabetes-related complications. Methods: A retrospective observational study at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, included 621 adult patients diagnosed with T2DM categorized into four HbA1c groups: normal (<5.7%), prediabetes (5.7–6.4%), controlled diabetes (6.5–7.9%), and uncontrolled diabetes (≥8.0%). Biochemical parameters included the liver profile: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, renal profile: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, sodium, and chloride, and lipid profile: cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. Regression models identified predictors of ALP, cholesterol, and LDL. Results: ALP was higher in uncontrolled diabetes (89.0 U/L, Q1–Q3: 106.3–72.0) than in the prediabetes group (75.0 U/L, Q1–Q3: 96.8–62.3). Sodium and chloride were lower in uncontrolled diabetes (Na: 138.3 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 140.3–136.4; Cl: 101.1 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 102.9–99.4) compared to the normal group (Na: 139.5 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 142.4–136.9; Cl: 103.5 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 106.1–101.7). LDL was lower in uncontrolled diabetes (2.1 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 2.8–1.7) than in the normal group (2.8 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 3.7–2.2), while triglycerides were higher in patients with uncontrolled diabetes compared to the normal group (1.45 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 2.02–1.11 vs. 1.26 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 1.44–0.94). Regression models showed low explanatory power (R² = 2.1–7.3%), with weight, age, and sex as significant predictors of select biochemical markers. Conclusions: The study observed biochemical variations across HbA1c categories in T2DM patients, likely reflecting insulin resistance. Monitoring these markers in conjunction with HbA1c can enhance early detection and improve the management of complications. Full article

Background: Semaglutide and Liraglutide are medications in the Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1 RAs) class used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in Saudi Arabia. Although the 1.0 mg once weekly dosage of Semaglutide does not have a labeled indication for the management of obesity, many believe that this dosage is more effective than the 3.0 mg once daily Liraglutide dosage for the management of both diabetes and obesity. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the dosage of 1.0 mg of Semaglutide administered once weekly versus 3.0 mg of Liraglutide administered once daily in controlling HbA1c levels, promoting weight loss, and evaluating their financial implications among obese patients in Saudi Arabia using real-world data. Methods: A retrospective review of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) from January 2021 to June 2024 was conducted on patients prescribed Semaglutide or Liraglutide for at least 12 months. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing severe conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, stroke, or cancer) and missing baseline data. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in HbA1c, weight, and direct medical costs. Results: Two hundred patients (100 patients on the 1.0 mg once weekly dose of Semaglutide and 100 patients on the 3.0 mg once daily dose of Liraglutide) of those randomly selected from the EMRs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Of the 200 eligible patients (65.5% female, mean age 48.54 years), weight loss was greater with Semaglutide (−8.09 kg) than Liraglutide (−5.884 kg). HbA1c reduction was also greater with Semaglutide (−1.073%) than Liraglutide (−0.298%). The use of Semaglutide resulted in lower costs of USD −1264.76 (95% CI: −1826.82 to 33.76) and greater reductions in weight of −2.22 KG (95% CI: −7.68 to −2.784), as well as lower costs of USD −1264.76 (95% CI: (−2368.16 to −239.686) and greater reductions in HbA1c of −0.77% (95% CI: −0.923 to −0.0971) in more than 95% of the cost effectiveness bootstrap distributions. Conclusions: Semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly seems to be more effective and cost-saving in managing prediabetes, diabetes, and obesity compared to Liraglutide 3.0 mg daily. Future studies should examine these findings using a more representative sample and a robust study design. Full article

Background: The present study seeks to examine how social disparities relate to the prevalence of poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%), comorbidities such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and diabetes-related complications (microvascular or macrovascular) among Saudi patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 574 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending family medicine clinics at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique and interviewed via phone using a validated questionnaire. Data collected included demographic and clinical variables. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiovascular complications, including stroke, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and acute coronary syndrome. Result: The analysis revealed that certain socioeconomic factors significantly increased the odds of cardiovascular complications among patients with T2DM. Being female was associated with higher odds of hypertension (OR = 2.29, p = 0.014), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.59, p = 0.012), acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (OR = 2.35, p = 0.001), and stroke (OR = 2.17, p = 0.003). Divorced or widowed participants had significantly increased odds of ACS (OR = 2.91, p = 0.001) and stroke (OR = 2.83, p = 0.002). A lower educational level (secondary school or less) was significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension (OR = 2.64, p = 0.031), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.22, p = 0.005), and stroke (OR = 2.88, p = 0.042). Monthly income between 3001 and 6000 SAR was significantly associated with higher odds of ACS (OR = 2.61, p = 0.003) and stroke (OR = 2.64, p = 0.012). Participants with diabetes duration >15 years had higher odds of dyslipidemia (OR = 2.86, p = 0.004) and stroke (OR = 2.89, p = 0.005). Being retired or not working increased the odds of all four cardiovascular outcomes, with stroke showing the highest risk (OR = 3.18, p < 0.001). Living outside the Riyadh region was also associated with elevated risk across outcomes, notably stroke (OR = 1.52, p = 0.046). Conclusions: The study concluded that notable social disparities exist among diabetic individuals affected by cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as risk factors for cardiovascular disease like dyslipidemia (DLD). These findings can inform targeted cardiovascular risk reduction strategies and address health inequities among diabetic populations in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a health problem all over the world due to its serious complications such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and limb amputation. The risk factors for T2DM are environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed the linkage of certain loci with diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. The objective of this study was to examine the association of genetic loci with diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis, such as Genome Analysis Toolkit, Samtools, SnpEff, Polymorphism Phenotyping v2, and Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT), were used to examine the association of gene variations with DN in 26 Saudi patients (18 males and 8 females). Results: The present study showed that there are loci that are probably linked to DM and DN. The genes showed variations that include COCH, PRPF31, PIEZO2, RABL5, CCT5, PLIN3, PDE4A, SH3BP2, GPR108, GPR108, MUC6, CACNA1D, and MAFA. The physiological processes that are potentially affected by these gene variations include insulin signaling and secretion, the inflammatory pathway, and mitochondrial function. Conclusion: The variations in these genes and the dysregulation of these processes may be linked to the development of DM and DN. These findings require further verification in future studies with larger sample sizes and protein functional studies. The results of this study will assist in identifying the genes involved in DM and DN (for example, through genetic counseling) and help in prevention and treatment of individuals or populations at risk of this disease and its complications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health has a significant impact on our overall well-being. The DMFT index assesses dental caries prevalence, whilst the body mass index (BMI) estimates body fat, with obesity defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Obesity adversely affects women’s health, including increased risks of chronic diseases. In Saudi Arabia, with a rising obesity rate, especially amongst women, highlights the need to investigate the relationship between BMI and oral health. Our aim is to evaluate the association of high BMI (body mass index), dental history, diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) of female students at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included female students at a sports facility in Taif University, Saudi Arabia, with a high BMI. A convenience sampling technique was used. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their BMI. Data was then collected through structured interviews and oral examinations. The prevalence and types of chief complaints, sociodemographic status, and DMFT index in female students with a high BMI, as well as the possible mechanisms linking BMI, were analyzed. Results: The study included 138 female students, 86 of whom were obese female students, aged 18–27. Compared to the control group, participants with higher BMI were more likely to visit the dentist due to pain and had a higher number of missing teeth. Systemic diseases, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes, were significantly more prevalent among obese participants. No significant correlation was found between BMI and dental hygiene practices or dietary habits. Higher BMI was significantly associated with an increase in missing teeth (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.18, p = 0.045). However, it was not found with the overall DMFT index. Conclusions: higher BMI among female university students was associated with an increased prevalence of missing teeth and systemic diseases Full article

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women, with an estimated 40% of Saudi women affected. Concurrently, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly prevalent in the Qassim region, affecting 45% of individuals aged 40 and older. Despite conflicting evidence regarding the impact of T2DM on bone health, its role in OP development remains uncertain. Materials and Methods: This study investigates site-specific bone mineral density (BMD) variations and their metabolic correlations in postmenopausal Saudi women with T2DM. A cross-sectional study included 250 postmenopausal Saudi women, 100 without diabetes (Group 1) and 150 with diabetes (Group 2), matched for age, menopausal duration, and body mass index (BMI). BMD at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Biochemical markers, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), estrogen, calcium, and HbA1c, were assessed. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression, evaluated BMD variations and biochemical associations. Results: Patients with diabetes exhibited significantly higher FN T-scores than those without diabetes (p = 0.001), while LS T-scores showed no significant difference. BMD distribution (normal, osteopenia, OP) did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). FN T-scores correlated positively with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, reduced estrogen, and prolonged menopause duration (p < 0.01) but were inversely associated with estrogen levels and menopause duration (p < 0.01). Conclusions: No significant association was found between HbA1c and BMD. Additionally, BMI demonstrated a protective effect on FN BMD. T2DM appears to influence bone metabolism without directly causing OP in postmenopausal women. Aging, menopause duration, metabolic markers (PTH, ALP, estrogen), and BMI play crucial roles in BMD variations, with a protective effect of BMI. These findings underscore the importance of site-specific BMD assessment and metabolic profiling in postmenopausal women with diabetes. Further longitudinal research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms affecting bone health in postmenopausal women with diabetes. Full article

Background: The prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants is a growing concern globally, including in Abha, Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and its associated risk factors of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants in Abha. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted 400 type 2 diabetic participants in Abha, Saudi Arabia. A hybrid method (snowball sampling + purposive) techniques were used to obtain an adequate sample size. Data were collected after obtaining telephonic or digital consent; the questionnaire was shared with participants who were able and willing to complete it independently those with type 2 diabetes who wished to participate but were unable to complete the questionnaire on their own. The researcher conducted a telephonic interview and recorded their responses. The questionnaire captured demographic details, Anthropometric history, medical history, lifestyle habits, and type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) specific factors. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity among the type 2 DM study participants was 46.0%, 115 participants (28.8%) fell into the Obesity Grade I category, 43 (10.8%) as Obesity Grade II, while 26 (6.5%) were classified as Obesity Grade III, the overall median BMI of participants was 29.3 ± 5.88. Significant bio-demographic factors associated with obesity included age, gender, educational level, marital status, and co-morbidities (p < 0.05). Notably, females and older adults exhibited higher obesity rates. Significant lifestyle factors included the frequency and type of physical activity, soft drink consumption, and attempts to control weight. Participants who exercised regularly and avoided soft drinks had lower obesity rates. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age, gender, co-morbidities, family history of obesity, regular dinner consumption, soft drink consumption, and exercise frequency as significant predictors of obesity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study determined a high prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic participants in Abha, Saudi Arabia, with significant associations with bio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Interventions targeting weight management, physical activity, dietary habits, and health education are urgently needed to address obesity in this population. Further research is recommended to explore these associations longitudinally and to develop tailored intervention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major concern in Saudi Arabia, making it a challenge for health delivery for those with severe mental illness (SMI). This study aims to explore the barriers to access and utilization of diabetes care among patients with diabetes and serious mental illnesses, their relatives, and healthcare providers to provide evidence-based recommendations for health policy improvement. Methods: A qualitative interpretive research design was used via Braun and Clarke’s framework to analyze the data thematically. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 participants, including patients, relatives, and healthcare providers between September and October 2023, in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Results: The following four themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) The status of integrated care, (2) Barriers to access to diabetes care at different levels, (3) Navigating obstacles to providing comprehensive diabetes care, and (4) Evidence-based recommendations for health policy improvement. Conclusions: This study underscores the necessity for a comprehensive and integrated approach to care, educational programs, specialized clinics, and improved healthcare logistics. Integrating mental health and diabetes management is needed to ensure better utilization. Full article

Background and Objectives: The average age of presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD) is one decade younger in the Saudi population relative to other patients worldwide. It is imperative to investigate the prevalence of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) risk factors in Saudi Arabia’s younger population in order to prevent the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the future. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the severity and identify the risk factors associated with PCAD in patients under the age of 50 at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), Saudi Arabia. Methods: This observational retrospective study was conducted between June 2022 and June 2023 at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 718 participants were included in the study. The patients, confirmed by electrocardiographic and/or angiographic findings of coronary artery disease, were divided into three age groups: group 1 (<40 years), group 2 (40–45 years), and group 3 (45–50 years). The severity of vessel occlusions was evaluated using the Gensini scoring system. Electrocardiographic findings, sociodemographic variables, and risk factors were also taken into consideration. Results: The mean age of patients in group 1 was 35.2 ± 4.5 years, in group 2 was 43.0 ± 1.3 years, and in group 3 was 48.4 ± 1.4 years. Patients in group 2 had a significantly higher BMI (31.3 ± 10.5) compared to patients in group 3 (29.4 ± 5.3; p = 0.015). Nearly 55% of patients under 40 years had 2 or 3 vessel occlusions according to the vessel score. The percentage of patients with inferior ST elevation was significantly higher in group 1 (<40 years, 11.2%) compared to groups 2 (40–45 years, 10.1%) and 3 (45–50 years, 6.0%; p = 0.001). Non-specific ST-T changes were more common in group 1 (31.4%) and group 2 (32.0%) compared to group 3 (28.4%). Although not statistically significant, left main artery occlusion tended to be higher in group 3 (8.6%) compared to groups 1 (4.6%) and 2 (4.5%; p = 0.229). Hyperlipidemia levels were significantly higher in patients with a Gensini score > 39 compared to those with a Gensini score < 39 (47.9% vs. 37.5%, respectively; p = 0.05). The prevalence of smoking was about 54% in group 1, followed by type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension (37%, 36%, and 33%, respectively). Conclusions: This study suggested that PCAD Saudi patients below 40 years of age had a higher percentage of inferior ST elevation compared to older patients, while non-specific ST-T changes were significantly higher in older patients. Astonishingly, more than 50% of patients in all groups had two or three vessel occlusions. There was a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, in younger patients, whereas hyperlipidemia was a risk factor for PCAD in all age groups. In addition, hyperlipidemia was highly correlated with severe vessel occlusion according to the Gensini score. Therefore, early preventive measures should be taken into consideration to reduce the future burden of cardiovascular complications in this population. Full article

Aim: The aim of this paper is to assess the changes in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters among normal individuals and for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, with and without retinopathy, in the adult Saudi population. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study; subjects were divided into four groups. Group 1, the control group, consisted of 40 eyes from normal healthy individuals, while the other three groups included subjects diagnosed with type 2 DM at various stages of retinopathy. All subjects’ OCT and OCTA images were acquired using a swept-source OCT (DRI Triton, Topcon, Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Parameters collected included superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), macular thickness (MT), ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness at central and perifoveal locations. OCTA acquisition included a 4.5 × 4.5 mm scan to measure FAZ and SCP VD, with the FAZ manually mapped onto OCTA images at the SCP. Results: There was a significant decrease in SCP VD (p < 0.05) in all quadrants except the central as the severity of diabetes increased. SCP VD was considerably lower in DM patients without retinopathy compared to controls. Additionally, the FAZ area exhibited a significant increasing trend as the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) increased. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in RNFL thickness (p < 0.01) and GCL thickness (p < 0.01) in the nasal quadrant as DR severity increased, even after adjusting for age, gender, and mean arterial pressure. Furthermore, SCP VD showed a significant negative correlation with both the duration of DM and contrast sensitivity. Conclusions: OCT and OCTA parameters were significantly different between the control and diabetic patients with and without DR. The observed microvascular and contrast sensitivity alterations may precede detectable DR damage or changes in visual acuity. Full article

Background: The risk of dying from chronic liver diseases (CLDs) is two to three times higher for patients with diabetes (DM). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the primary cause of this increased risk, which has an etiology unrelated to alcohol or viruses. Previous research reported that diabetes and CLD are related, since they influence each other. Aim: Estimation of the impact of diabetes (DM) on liver diseases (LD), and of the impact of liver diseases on DM among Egyptian and Saudi patients. It is a descriptive and prospective analytical study design. The investigation was carried out in Saudi Arabia and Egypt at gastroenterology outpatient clinics. Methods: Prospective data were collected through face-to-face patient interviews during clinic visits between June 2021 and June 2023. The interviews covered the patients’ basic characteristics and information on DM and LD. Certain laboratory tests were conducted on these patients, such as liver function, glucose level, lipid profile, INR, and prothrombin time. Results: The total of 2748 participants in this study included 1242 diabetic patients of both genders from Saudi Arabia and 1506 from Egypt. Most Saudis had between 10 and 20 years’ duration of DM (35.5%), with HbA1c (7–10%) values of 47.8%, while the Egyptian patients had >20 years’ duration of DM (39.8%), with HbA1c (7–10%) values of 49.8%. Regarding the impact of DM on the development of liver diseases, about 35.5% (Saudis) vs. 23.5% (Egyptians) had liver diseases due to DM, a significant difference (p-value = 0.011). Liver enzymes were increased in many of the Egyptian and Saudi patients (41.4% vs. 33%), while the presence of fatty liver (28.2% vs. 35.7%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (13.7% vs. 6.1%) were also significantly different (p-value = 0.047). While the impact of liver diseases on DM was observed more among Egyptian (59%) than among Saudi (46.4%) patients because of liver cirrhosis (HCV or HBV), known to be a reason for diabetes in Egyptians (27.9%) vs. Saudis (8.0%), a higher incidence of fatty liver leading to DM was observed in Saudis than in Egyptians (15.9% vs. 11.6%) (p-value = 0.000. Obesity was more prevalent among Saudi patients (63.8%) than among Egyptian patients (48.6%) (p-value = 0.019). Fewer Egyptians (about 65%) suffered from dyslipidemia than Saudis (about 80%). Higher INR and longer prothrombin times were observed in Egyptians (29.9% and 29.1%, respectively) than in Saudis (20.3% and 18.8%, respectively), with a significant difference between the two nations (p-value < 0.050). Conclusions: We may conclude that diabetes in most patients has a negative impact on the development of liver diseases (particularly fatty liver in Saudi patients). In addition, most liver diseases (liver cirrhosis) have a negative influence on the development of DM (more so in Egyptian patients). There is a link between DM and liver disease. In particular, liver cirrhosis and diabetes were found to influence each other. Therefore, correct medication, adherence to treatment, lifestyle modifications, successful cirrhosis control (in patients with liver diseases), and diabetic control (in diabetic patients) could lead to effective management of both diseases. The negative fallouts in the two cases were prompted by obesity, morbid eating, and poor quality of life. Full article

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic disease caused by inadequate insulin secretion or ineffective insulin response, leading to complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, heart attacks, and strokes. Recently, “diabetes distress (DD)” has emerged as a concept, highlighting the significant emotional burden of managing diabetes, which can impact disease outcomes. Thus, this study evaluates the impact of virtual clinics on diabetes distress and glycemic measures in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2024 at the Endocrine and Diabetes Center in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia, targeting persons aged 18 and older with diabetes who had engaged in-person clinics, virtual clinics, or both between 2019 and 2024. Data were collected through structured phone interviews, supplemented by laboratory results from clinical records. The survey included demographic details, diabetes information, and the Diabetes Distress Scale. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, were performed to explore the relationships between diabetes distress, clinic visit type, and glycemic control, with Mann–Whitney and Chi-Squared tests used to compare variables between two groups. Results: Of the 108 participants, 55.6% were male, with a mean age of 38.5 years. Type 2 diabetes was reported in 51.9% of individuals, while 48.1% had type 1. High emotional burden (44.4%) and regimen-related distress (28.7%) were prevalent, particularly among individuals with suboptimal glycemic control. While virtual visits were not significantly correlated with lower distress levels, individuals with suboptimal glycemic control exhibited significantly higher diabetes distress across various domains, including emotional and regimen-related distress (p < 0.05). Laboratory analysis showed a median HbA1c of 8.2%, with poor control associated with greater distress. Conclusions: Diabetic individuals with suboptimal glycemic control report higher diabetes distress levels, underscoring the need for integrated psychological support in DM care. Although virtual clinic visits did not significantly reduce distress, they provide a feasible option for individual follow-up. Full article

Background and Objectives: Understanding the knowledge and dietary patterns of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is essential to identify gaps and design tailored health education strategies to improve self-management and clinical outcomes. We assessed the diabetes-related dietary patterns, knowledge, and associated factors of T2DM patients. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design, surveying 363 T2DM patients using a validated and pretested questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorized as low (<50%), medium (50–75%), and high (>75%), and dietary patterns were classified as unhealthy (<34%), moderately healthy (34–67%), and healthy (>67%). We analyzed the data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23.0). The authors tested the relationship between diabetes-related dietary patterns and knowledge with Spearman’s analysis. The multivariate regression approach established the factors associated with these two components. Results: The findings revealed that 36.4% of participants had low knowledge, 34.4% had medium knowledge, and only 29.2% demonstrated high knowledge. Regarding dietary patterns, 34.4% were categorized as unhealthy, 33.3% as moderately healthy, and 32.3% as healthy. The authors found that these two domains were positively correlated (rho = 0.649, p = 0.001). Diabetes-related knowledge was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.018), duration of diabetes (p = 0.001), and patients with a family history of T2DM (p = 0.007). The dietary pattern was significantly associated with age (p = 0.001), duration of diabetes (p = 0.032), and presence of other chronic diseases (p = 0.028). Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted health education strategies that address gaps in dietary knowledge and promote healthier eating behaviors among T2DM patients in Central Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with gut dysbiosis. To investigate the association between gut microbiota and T2DM in a Saudi Arabian population. Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of fecal microbiota from 35 individuals, including both T2DM patients and healthy controls. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to characterize the microbial community structure. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in microbial composition between the two groups. The T2DM group exhibited a higher abundance of Firmicutes and lower levels of Bacteroidetes compared to the healthy control group. At the genus level, T2DM patients showed a decrease in butyrate-producing bacteria such as Bacteroides and Akkermansia, while an increase in Ruminococcus and Prevotella was observed. Additionally, the T2DM group had a higher abundance of Faecalibacterium, Agathobacter, and Lachnospiraceae, along with a lower abundance of Bacteroides. Conclusions: These results suggest that alterations in gut microbiota composition may contribute to the development of T2DM in the Saudi Arabian population. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings and explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiome. Full article