Background and Objectives: Because there is no recent update on the state of diabetes and its concomi--tant complications in Saudi Arabia^, we undertook a study of the prevalence of health complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to our institution. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of adult Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes who were seen in clinics or admitted to the Security Forces Hospital^, Riyadh^, Saudi Arabia^, between January 1989 and January 2004. Results: Of 1952 patients^, 943 (48.3%) were males. For the whole study population the mean age at enrollment was 58.4±14.2 years^, the mean age at onset of diabetes was 48.1±12.8 years^, the mean duration of diabetes was 10.4±7.5 years^, and the mean duration of follow-up was 7.9±4.6 years. Nephropathy was the most prevalent complication^, occurring in 626 patients (32.1%). Acute coronary syndrome occurred in 451 (23 .1 %), cataracts in 447 (22.9%)^, retinopathy in 326 (16.7%)^, and myocardial infarction in 279 (14.3%)^, Doubling of serum creatinine was seen in 250 (12.8%) and 79 (4.0%) went into dialysis. Hypertension was present in 1524 (78.1%) and dyslipidemia in 764 (39.1%). Overall mortality was 8.2%. Multiple complications were ^frequent. Males had higher prevalence of complications than females (P< .05). Mortality was significantly higher in males 92 (9.8%) than females 69 (6.8%) (P=.024). The prevalence of complications significantly increased with dura--tion of diabetes and age (P< .05). Conclusion: Among Saudis, the prevalence of concomitant diabetic complications is high, with cardiovas--cular and renal complications the most frequent. Many patients had multiple complications. Early and frequent screenings in the patients with type 2 diabetes are desirable to identify patients at high risk for concomitant complications and to prevent disabilities.

Sulaiman Al-Mohaya

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