Original Article   https://doi.org/10.70084/mru/pmrcc/00044.P14

The Patterns of Complications among Diabetic Patients in Kordofan, Sudan

Samah Adam Galal¹, Amal Khalil Yousif Mohammed2,3, Namarig Alhadi Hamid4, Eldisugi Hassan Mohammed Humida2,5,6,7

Affiliations

1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid, Sudan. 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid, Sudan. 3Aldaman International Hospital, El-Obeid, Sudan. 4Department of Internal Medicine, Sudan Medical Specialization Board, Khartoum, Sudan. 5EL-Obeid Teaching Hospital, El-Obeid, Sudan. 6Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, EL-Obeid International Hospital, El-Obeid, Sudan. 7Prof Medical Research Consultancy Center (MRCC), El-Obeid, Sudan.

Correspondence to: Eldisugi Hassan Mohammed Humida, Email: heldisugi@gmail.com

Cite: Galal, et al. The Patterns of Complications Related to Diabetes Mellitus in Kordofan, Sudan. Medical Research Updates Journal 2026;4(4):1-14. https://doi.org/10.70084/mru/pmrcc/00044.P14

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite the recent advances of diabetes mellitus (DM) management, a gap in overall diabetic patient care prevails; consequently, the burden of serious and devastating disease complications is in progress. Therefore, the current research seeks to investigate the limited data concerning DM complications in Kordofan, Sudan. Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted at El-Obeid Teaching Hospital spanning the period from July 1, 2026, to September 3, 2026. The hospital is located in El-Obeid City, which is the largest city in Kordofan and the capital of the North Kordofan State. The sample size encompasses all the individuals admitted to the hospital with DM complications during the designated time frame without any demographic characteristics. Results: We studied 117 patients with diabetes, ranging in age from 20 to 80 years, with a mean age of 52.54 and standard deviation (SD) of 13.45 years. This comprises 25/117 (21.4%) males and 92 (78.6%) females. The dominant age group of the individuals was ≥60 years, represented by 32/117 (27.4%), followed by ≤40 years, 41-45, and the age group 56-60 at equal representation, 19 (16.2%). The most frequent complications observed were peripheral neuropathy (58.8%), diabetic foot ulcers (29%), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (14.5%), retinopathy (11.1%), and stroke (5.9%). Conclusion: diabetic patients in Kordofan generally presented with long-standing disease, poor glycemic control, and a high rate of complications. The most common complications observed were peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, retinopathy, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and stroke. These results emphasize the significance of early detection, optimal disease management, and timely detection and intervention for complications. In addition, regional protocols should be developed to support patient education, lifestyle changes, and standardized treatment strategies. 

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, complications, retinopathy, neuropathy, foot ulcer, stroke, TIA, Sudan.

 

Output an image of a high-impact medical journal graphical abstract titled “Diabetic Complications in Kordofan States, Sudan”. Use a clean premium clinical infographic style on a white background, vector-like design, precise alignment, large readable typography, and restrained colors: deep navy, teal, cyan, light gray, and subtle Sudan-inspired amber accent. Create a balanced three-column layout. Left column titled “Study setting & cohort”: retrospective descriptive study, El-Obeid Teaching Hospital, Kordofan, Sudan; n=117 diabetic patients; age range 20–80 years; mean age 52.54 ± 13.45 years; include a small hospital icon and a Sudan map silhouette with Kordofan highlighted. Show sex distribution clearly with two labeled human icons: Female 78.6%, Male 21.4%. Middle column titled “Population profile”: dominant age group ≥60 years 27.4%; secondary age groups ≤40, 41–45, and 56–60 years each 16.2%; present as a refined mini age bar chart or callout cards. Right column titled “Complication pattern”: ranked proportional horizontal bars with medical icons and exact labels: 1 Peripheral neuropathy 58.8%, 2 Diabetic foot ulcers 29.0%, 3 Transient ischemic attack 14.5%, 4 Retinopathy 11.1%, 5 Stroke 5.9%. Make peripheral neuropathy the visual lead but keep all bars proportional. Bottom clinical implication ribbon: “Long-standing diabetes, poor glycemic control, and high complication burden — strengthen early detection, glycemic control, complication screening, patient education, lifestyle modification, and regional protocols.” Avoid decorative clutter, avoid quotation marks around the title, avoid misspellings, ensure all percentages and labels are accurate and readable, suitable for publication in a top medical journal.