International Journal of Diabetes & its Complications
ISSN: 2573-8895 | DOI: 10.64030/2573-8895
Tous Chansamrach, Anfal Sharif and Keam Synat
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form, accounting for over 90% of all DM cases. T2DM primarily linked to insulin resistance, and often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition. T2DM contributes to a range of metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidemia, renal impairment, electrolyte imbalances, and anemia and can result in serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy.
Objective: The study was conducted among the Cambodian population in Takhmao town and aim to 1). Determine the prevalence rate of T2DM between 2021 and 2024; 2). Investigate diabetic metabolic proteins in T2DM patients and correlate their levels with T2DM severity; 3). Assess the prevalence anemia in diabetic populations relative to non-diabetic counterparts.
Methods and Materials: The retrospective single-institution study will review laboratory records of individuals who sought diabetic screening at Dialab Takhmao Medical Laboratory (Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia) between 2021 and 2024. The study involves collecting laboratory variables such as Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), metabolic tests (e.g., triglycerides, cholesterol, kidney function), electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl+), and complete blood count (CBC). Study participants are classified into three age groups: under 40, 40-60, and over 60 years.
Results: The study found that from 2021 to 2024, the annual prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Cambodia remained high yet stable, ranging from 29.12% to 34.26%, with 7,798 cases recorded. Women consistently showed slightly higher prevalence than men. Prevalence was lowest among individuals under 40, while men aged 40–60 exhibited unexpectedly higher rates than those over 60. T2DM was associated with significant metabolic abnormalities, including elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels, even among younger patients, suggesting early lipid dysregulation. Signs of early kidney involvement were evident with increased urea levels, while creatinine remained unchanged. Electrolyte imbalances were observed, notably reduced sodium and chloride levels, while potassium remained stable. Regression analysis showed positive correlations of triglycerides, urea, and potassium with FBS, and negative correlations of sodium and chloride, indicating deteriorating metabolic parameters with increasing blood glucose levels. These patterns were not influenced by sex. T2DM was not associated with increased anaemia risk. In fact, anaemia prevalence was lower among individuals with T2DM across all age groups and both sexes, compared with non-diabetic counterparts. Anaemia increased with age in both T2DM and non-T2DM individuals, suggesting that age, rather than diabetes, may be the primary contributor.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the persistent burden of T2DM in Cambodia and highlight the need for broader national studies to better capture regional and demographic disparities.