GENDER BASED PREVALENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY MEDICAL HOSPITAL IN PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus and heart failure are closely interrelated cardiovascular conditions that significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gender-based differences in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among heart failure patients remain an important yet insufficiently explored area, particularly in developing regions. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the gender-based prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with heart failure at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 patients diagnosed with heart failure at a tertiary medical hospital in Peshawar. Data were collected using echocardiographic findings and clinical records to assess heart failure status and the presence and type of diabetes mellitus. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the distribution of diabetes mellitus across gender groups and related clinical characteristics. Results: Among the 246 participants, 128 (52%) were male and 117 (47.6%) were female. Heart failure was diagnosed in 71.1% of patients based on echocardiography, with HFmrEF being the most common subtype (36.6%). Regarding diabetes mellitus, 100 (41%) had no diabetes, while 80 (33%) had type 1 diabetes mellitus and 65 (26%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. A substantial proportion of patients also had hypertension (52%) and a positive family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes (51%), indicating a high burden of associated risk factors. Conclusion: The study highlights a considerable prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients with heart failure, along with a high burden of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of early screening, integrated management of diabetes and heart failure, and gender-sensitive preventive strategies to reduce disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, heart failure, gender-based prevalence, echocardiography, hypertension, cardiovascular disease.