Inadequate glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan: prevalence and associated factors

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic illness with potentially fatal and debilitating consequences. Problems with glycemic management are a major issue that adds an added strain to public health services. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of poor glycemic control and its related variables among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in southern Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II Hospital in Jordan’s southernmost province. For the period April–July 2024, 516 individuals with T2D were enrolled. A structured questionnaire that had been pre-prepared was used to collect data. As an index of glycemic control, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 7% cut-off point was adopted. Results: Poor glycemic control was prevalent in 81.0% of T2DM individuals. Inadequate glycemic control was significantly worse in non-married patients and those with 10 or more years of diabetes duration, insulin treatment, dyslipidemia, neuropathy, cardiovascular illness, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR = 60 mL/min; [ P < 0.05]). Moreover, dyslipidemia and insulin administration increased the likelihood of poor glycemic control (odds ratio [OR]: 2 and 5, respectively) ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Inadequate glycemic control was common among the current study participants. To prevent disease consequences and enhance the health of patients with diabetes, health care professionals should pay special attention to related risk factors such as dyslipidemia, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease (CVD), extended illness duration, and insulin usage.