Magnitude of glycemic control and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world and about 80% of diabetic cases live in low and middle income countries. Glycemic control is the most important predictor for diabetic related complications and deaths. Identifying factors associated with glycemic control help health care providers and patients to work in the areas that reduce risks of diabetic related complications and deaths. Objectives The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and factors associated with glycemic control among type 2 diabetic patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods Hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted on 412 type 2 diabetic patients who were attending in diabetic clinics at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Data were collected through structured interview questionnaire, and data abstraction format to collect information from each patient's medical records from March to April, 2015. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine magnitude of glycemic control and factors associated with poor glycemic control. Result Median age of participants was 52 years old (IQR = 40 +/- 60 years old). From the study participants, 51.7% were females. Median duration of living with diabetes since diagnosis was 10 years (IQR: 5 +/- 16 years). About 80% of the respondents had uncontrolled fasting blood glucose level. The factors which are significantly associated with poor glycemic control were longer duration of diabetes (AOR = 2.72 95% CI: 1.16 +/- 6.32), and being on insulin therapy (AOR = 3.01 95% CI: 1.5 +/- 5.9). Conclusion A high proportion of patients had poor glycemic control. Longer duration of the disease, and being on drug regimen of insulin were associated with poor glycemic control. Appropriate attention should be given to patients with longer duration of disease and those who are on insulin therapy.