Prevalence of Kidney Failure and Its Relationship with Diabetes Mellitus: A Field Study of Dialysis Patients in Selected Centers in Western Libya

Abstract

Kidney failure is considered one of the most serious chronic diseases and represents a growing health challenge worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is among the most significant contributing factors leading to kidney failure. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between kidney failure and diabetes mellitus and to determine the extent to which diabetes contributes to kidney failure among patients undergoing dialysis in several healthcare centers in western Libya.

The study adopted the descriptive analytical approach, and a questionnaire was used as the primary data collection tool. The study sample consisted of 357 patients out of a total of 472 dialysis patients registered in several dialysis centers, including Al-Khoms Kidney Hospital, Maslata Central Hospital, Qasr Al-Akhyar Rural Hospital, Qara Bolli Kidney Center, Tajoura Heart Hospital, and Tripoli University Hospital during the summer of 2023.

The results showed that 45% of the patients had diabetes before developing kidney failure, while only 1% developed diabetes after kidney failure. Additionally, 54% of the patients had no history of diabetes, and their kidney failure was attributed to other causes such as hypertension, heart diseases, hereditary kidney disorders, and hepatitis. The findings indicate that diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of kidney failure, particularly in cases where patients do not adhere to medical advice or treatment guidelines.

The study recommends increasing health awareness among diabetic patients regarding regular monitoring of kidney function, conducting periodic medical tests, and adhering to proper dietary and medical management to reduce the risk of diabetic kidney complications.