ASSESSMENT OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS AT THE NKWEN DISTRICT HOSPITAL BAMENDA

Dr. Lukong Hubert Shalanyuy*, Beaza Rita, Dr. Tanlaka Lucas Mengnjo, Wam Elvis Chongsi, Ching Nelson Tsoine and Neba Driscoll Ambe-Afanwi

ABSTRACT

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension frequently coexist, sharing common risk factors like obesity and insulin resistance, and together increase the risk of serious complications such as cardiovascular disease. The relationship between blood sugar levels and blood pressure in T2DM remains unclear and complex. Despite government initiatives in Cameroon to manage T2DM and hypertension, many patients still develop both conditions. This study aims to assess the correlation between blood sugar levels and blood pressure among T2DM patients at Nkwen District Health Center, Bamenda. Methods: This study was conducted at Nkwen District Hospital Bamenda, a secondary-level facility serving diverse urban and rural populations in the North West Region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional design was used to assess the correlation between blood glucose levels and blood pressure among 70 T2DM patients. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, blood pressure measurements, and laboratory analysis of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. A simple random sampling method was used, and data analysis was done using SPSS with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Ethical clearance and participant consent were obtained prior to data collection. Results: The study included 70 participants, mostly females (57.1%), with the highest age groups being 50–69 and 70–89 years (40% each). Most respondents were married (65.7%) and had primary education (41.4%), with retired persons (31.4%) forming the largest occupational group. A strong, statistically significant positive correlation was found between blood glucose levels and systolic (r = 0.815, p = 0.026) and diastolic BP (r = 0.777, p = 0.032). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) showed significant associations with systolic BP (X² = 4.44, p = 0.03) and overall BP (X² = 8.73, p = 0.03), but not with diastolic BP (p = 0.70). Age was significantly associated with both FBS (X² = 11.5, p = 0.003) and BP (X² = 18.9, p = 0.004). Occupation was also significantly related to FBS (X² = 18.2, p = 0.003) and overall BP (X² = 35.5, p = 0.002). Marital status had a significant association with BP (X² = 18.6, p = 0.02), but not with FBS (p = 0.36). Gender and education level showed no significant association with FBS (p = 0.88 and p = 0.1 respectively) nor with BP (p = 0.1 and p = 0.18). These results emphasize the role of age, occupation, and marital status in influencing glycemic and blood pressure outcomes in T2DM patients. Conclusion: Routine monitoring and integrated management of blood glucose and blood pressure should be prioritized, especially among older adults and high-risk occupational groups.

Keywords: Correlation, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, T2DM patients, Nkwen District Hospital