Evaluation of diabetes care parameters in patients with diabetes: A population-based cross-sectional study in Khuzestan province (southwest of Iran)

Diabetes is becoming a worldwide concern. Optimal diabetes control reduces diabetes complications.

We aimed to measure the principal diabetes care parameters to recognize the main deficits in care for patients with diabetes in the region.

This cross-sectional study is based on the Khuzestan Comprehensive Health Study (KCHS) data. Of all participants, 4673 (15.3%) were identified to have diabetes. We invited the known cases of diabetes to complete a checklist about their diabetes through face-to-face interviews, and we obtained a blood sample to measure their HbA1c.

Of all participants of the KCHS study, 312 patients with diabetes who met the inclusion criteria were identified. Mean (± SD) HbA1c was 8.5% (± 1.8), and 225 (72.1%) of the participants had poor glycemic control. About 45.2% had blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg, and 24% had FBS lower than 130 mg/dl. Nearly 37.8% of the participants had LDL < 100 mg/dl and 40% TG < 150 mg/dl. Of all participants, 38.5% had undergone retinal examination, 13.8% had their foot examined, and 39.4% had done urine micro-albumin /Cr test. HbA1c level had a statistically significant relationship with gender (P = 0.012), occupation (P = 0.007), nephropathy (P = 0.004) and retinopathy (P < 0.001).

This study showed that less than half of the participants achieved the optimal ADA goals for diabetes care, therefore it is necessary to revise the basic protocols of diabetes care in the region to improve diabetes management.