SYMPTOMATIC GALLSTONES IN DIABETIC PATIENTS OF MANSEHRA AND ABBOTTABAD

Abstract

Background:

Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder and is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients are at increased risk of developing gallstones due to metabolic and physiological alterations. Ultrasonography is a reliable, non- invasive method for detecting gallstones and assessing their characteristics.

Objective:

To determine the ultrasonographic prevalence of symptomatic gallstones among diabetic patients in the regions of Mansehra and Abbottabad. Additionally, the study aims to assess the association between gallstone formation and various demographic and clinical factors, including age, gender, body mass index, and duration of diabetes. It also seeks to evaluate the common presenting symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal complaints such as postprandial abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

Methodology:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the radiology departments of selected public and private hospitals in Mansehra and Abbottabad over a period of six months. A total of 290 diabetic patients aged above 18 years were included using non- probability purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and ultrasound findings. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results:

The overall prevalence of gallstones among diabetic patients was 55.4%, indicating a high burden of the disease in this population. The majority of participants were aged 36–50 years (38.1%), with a slight female predominance (51.6%). In terms of body mass index, a considerable proportion of patients were either overweight (38.1%) or obese (30.8%), suggesting a possible association between increased body weight and gallstone formation. Most patients had duration of diabetes between 5–10 years (38.1%), reflecting the potential impact of long-standing diabetes on gallbladder function.

Regarding clinical presentation, the most commonly reported symptom was postprandial abdominal pain (51.9%), followed closely by nausea and vomiting (50.2%), while jaundice was less frequently observed (27.7%). Furthermore, patients diagnosed with gallstones demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of post-meal abdominal pain (75.0%) and nausea/vomiting (71.9%) compared to those without gallstones, highlighting the clinical relevance of these symptoms in predicting gallstone disease.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that gallstones are relatively common among diabetic patients, with a prevalence of 55.4%. The findings highlight the importance of routine ultrasonographic screening in diabetic individuals, particularly those presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, for early detection and prevention of complications.