Socio-demographic and Clinical Profile of Diabetic Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health crisis, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Iraq, prevalence is estimated at 12–15%, yet comprehensive local data on patient profiles remain scarce. Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic, clinical, nutritional, and laboratory profile of diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital in Babylon, Iraq. Patients and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adult diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2) admitted to the endocrinology unit of Marjan Teaching Hospital from December 2025 to May 2026. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews, medical records, and laboratory reports. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) were used. Results: Mean age was 57 ± 14 years; 60–69 years was the most common age group (36.0%). Sex distribution was nearly equal (49.5% male, 50.5% female). Illiteracy (30.0%), housewife occupation (49.0%), rural residence (54.5%), and low income (47.0%) were frequent. Type 2 diabetes dominated (86.0%); 51.5% had diabetes for >10 years. Glycemic control was poor (mean HbA1c 8.61%). Diabetes complications were present in 86.5%, hypertension in 65.5%, and dyslipidemia in 71.5%. Obesity (42.5%) and overweight (32.0%) were common; 20.0% had unintentional weight loss >5%. Decreased appetite (33.5%), reduced food intake (52.5%), chewing/swallowing difficulties (48.0%), and constipation (35.0%) were prevalent. Mean hemoglobin was 13.26 g/dL, creatinine 72.89 μmol/L, urea 4.70 mmol/L, and cholesterol 4.72 mmol/L. Conclusions: Diabetic patients in this Iraqi tertiary hospital are predominantly older, socio-economically disadvantaged, with long disease duration, poor glycemic control, high complication rates, obesity, and frequent gastrointestinal symptoms. Integrated, multidisciplinary care models addressing these multiple domains are urgently needed.