FREQUENCY OF CHOLELITHASIS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AT SUGHRA SHAFI MEDICAL COMPLEX

Abstract

To determine the frequency of cholelithiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus presenting with epigastric pain at a tertiary care hospital.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Department of General Surgery, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex, Narowal.

Duration: Six months (January to June’2025)

Methodology: A total of 370 diabetic patients aged 20–70 years presenting with intermittent postprandial epigastric pain were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood glucose >140 mg/dL and HbA1c >7%. Patients with previous cholecystectomy, acute gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or recent use of insulin, GLP-1 agonists, thiazolidinediones, or anti-obesity drugs were excluded. After informed consent, all patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography after overnight fasting to detect gallstones. Demographic and clinical variables—including age, gender, BMI, duration of diabetes, and family history—were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, with frequencies, percentages, means, and chi-square tests applied.

Results: The mean age of participants was 48.9 ± 10.2 years, and 57.3% were female. The majority (69.7%) had a BMI of 18–30. Gallstones were detected in 41.9% of diabetic patients. No significant association was observed between gallstone presence and age (p=0.945), gender (p=0.187), BMI (p=0.633), duration of diabetes (p=0.878), or family history of gallstones (p=0.301).

Conclusion: A high frequency of gallstones was observed among diabetic patients; however, traditional risk modifiers showed no significant association. Routine screening for gallbladder disease in diabetics is recommended for early detection and prevention of complications.