Prevalence, Patient Predictors, and Referral Patterns for Diabetes-Related Complications Treated at a Central Hospital in KwaZulu Natal.

Macrovascular diseases were the main complications. Older age, male sex, Indian ancestry, and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus were associated with macrovascular complications. A combination of health-promotion and behaviour-modification programs is required prior to or early in the disease course. Appropriate and more aggressive management at primary-care level using evidence-based clinical guidelines is essential to prevent complications.