Haematological Features and Urologic Pathologies of Diabetic Subjects at Bafoussam Regional Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background. Diabetes mellitus is at the origin of long-term complications. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the haematological features and urologic pathologies of diabetic individuals at Bafoussam Regional Hospital. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from August 2018 to May 2019 in Bafoussam Regional Hospital, West Cameroon. A structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic data. A trained nurse measured the physical and clinical features. Fasting plasma glucose was determined using the glucose meter Accu-Chek Active system. The full blood count (FBC) was carried out using Automatic full Blood Counter, and the CD4, CD3, and CD8 T-cell counts were determined using the flow cytometry method. Results. There were 455 diabetic patients, and 50 nondiabetic patients were included. The mean age of diabetic patients (56.94±14.33 years) was higher compared to that of nondiabetic individuals (34.76±14.35 years) (p<0.001). There was a significant relationship between married individuals (χ2=79.19, p<0.001, and df=4), housewife and retired (χ2=1117.38, p<0.001, and df=37), old age (40 years and above) (χ2=79.11, p<0.001, and df=3), and diabetes status. Diabetic patients had an odds of 5.52 to experience a urinary urge as compared to the controls (p<0.001, 95% CI=2.15-14.22). The majority of haematological parameters were negatively but not significantly correlated with diabetes. Binary logistic regression shows that MCV (r=−0.251, OR=0.778, and 95% CI=0.617–0.983; p=0.035) and RDW-CV (r=−0.477, OR=0.620, and 95% CI=0.454–0.848; p=0.003) negatively influence the probability of having diabetes. RDW-SD (r=0.135, OR=1.144, and 95% CI=1.014–1.291; p=0.029) positively influences the probability of having diabetes. Conclusion. This study revealed a significant haematological and urological profile difference according to diabetes status. Research and interventions targeted at diabetic population could help close gaps in diabetes complications.