Impact of COVID-19 on Libyan Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Western Libya

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in Libya and is a well-established risk factor for severe COVID-19. Real-world data from the Libyan diabetic population during the pandemic are scarce, particularly in conflict-affected settings. This study aims to evaluate COVID-19 infection rates, clinical severity, vaccination uptake, and the influence of glycemic control in Libyan adults with diabetes. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted (January–February 2022) at three major diabetes centres in western Libya (Surman, Zawia, and Tripoli). A total of 122 consecutive patients aged ≥20 years with confirmed diabetes were enrolled and interviewed regarding demographics, latest HbA1c level, physical activity, family history, confirmed COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Overall, 44.3 % (54/122) of participants reported laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. All 20 patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.0%) who contracted COVID-19 required hospital admission, whereas none of the 34 with good control needed hospitalisation (p < 0.001). Vaccine uptake (≥1 dose) was 72.1 % (88/122) and varied significantly by centre: Tripoli 85.4 %, Zawia 65.5 %, and Surman 63.5 %. Vaccine refusal ranged from 14.6 % (Tripoli) to 36.5 % (Surman). Self-reported regular physical activity was alarmingly low (<10% across centres). Poor glycemic control was strongly associated with severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation in this Libyan diabetic cohort, despite a small sample and potential outpatient survival bias. Vaccine hesitancy remains substantial outside major cities. Urgent intensification of diabetes education, glycemic optimisation, and targeted vaccination campaigns is needed

Effects of Sodium Benzoate and Ephedra alata on Some Cardiac Enzymes in Male Rats

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sodium benzoate is a common food preservative found in a wide range of items, including milk, toothpaste, mouthwash, fluids, and cosmetics. In Greco-Arab traditional medicine, Ephedra alata (E. alata) is used to treat respiratory issues, asthma, and cancer. The current investigation sought to determine whether Ephedra alata may shield rats from sodium benzoate-induced cardiotoxicity. Twenty male albino rats weighing between 195 and 300 g were split up into four equal groups, each of which had five male rats: Every day, distilled water was given to the first group, which was retained as the control. For two weeks, the second group was given an oral dosage of sodium benzoate (100 mg/kg/b. w.). For two weeks, E. alata (1 g/kg/b. w.) was administered orally to the third group. For two weeks, sodium benzoate and ephedra were given to the fourth group, also known as the combination group. According to the study's findings, there were no appreciable differences in the mean levels of CKMB, troponin, or LDH between the treatment and control groups; however, the combination group's troponin levels significantly increased in comparison to the control group. In summary, the study's findings demonstrated that ephedra did not effectively reverse the cardiotoxicity caused by sodium benzoate when taken alongside it

Libyan Medical Journal

Impact of COVID-19 on Libyan Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Western Libya

Effects of Sodium Benzoate and Ephedra alata on Some Cardiac Enzymes in Male Rats