Correlation of Microvascular Complications and Associated Factors in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that can lead to serious complications, including microvascular issues such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. These complications result in increased morbidity and a greater healthcare burden. By understanding the demographic and clinical factors associated with microvascular complications, we can develop more effective strategies for prevention and management.
Material and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical city of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, between 2024 and 2025. Data were collected from 390 patients diagnosed with type 2 DM, including demographic variables (age, gender, occupation, and family history) and clinical parameters (HbA1c, BMI, blood pressure, and duration of DM). Microvascular complications were assessed, and their associations with demographic and clinical factors were analyzed using different analytical methods.
Results: The prevalence of microvascular complications was (141, 36.9%), with neuropathy observed in 9.7%, nephropathy in 7.2%, and retinopathy in 28.7% of patients. Very poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 9%) was strongly associated with microvascular complications (p < 0.001). Insulin use significantly increased the risk of complications, particularly retinopathy (RR = 3.13; 95% CI = 1.96–4.98; p < 0.001). Hypertension was also a major risk factor, particularly for nephropathy (RR = 6.35; 95% CI = 2.36–17.1; p < 0.001). Gender was significantly associated with neuropathy, with females at higher risk (p = 0.048). Weak correlations were found between neuropathy and nephropathy (r = 0.110; p = 0.030) and between nephropathy and retinopathy (r = 0.197; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study emphasizes a high prevalence of microvascular complications in T2DM patients, significantly linked to poor glycemic control, hypertension, and insulin use. Targeted interventions focusing on optimizing glycemic and blood pressure control and regular screening are essential to mitigate the risk of these complications. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to explore causative factors and improve outcomes for diabetic patients.