The Status of Metabolic Control in Patients With Diabetes Attending Primary Care Clinics in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive control of diabetes and its related comorbidities is essential to avoid diabetes complications and reduce diabetes care expenses. Nevertheless, several reports have uncovered the gap in diabetes management and confirmed the suboptimal glycemic control globally. This study aims to assess the metabolic control among patients with diabetes attending primary care clinics (PCCs) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 15 PCCS in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Consecutive 692 adult diabetic patients who attended the clinics between January 2016 to December 2017 were included. The primary outcome measures were achieving blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids goals. The achievement of adequate metabolic control followed the American diabetes association (ADA) guidelines. RESULT: Majority (98%) of the patients had type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with a mean age of 55.1±11.6 years and a mean diabetes duration of 11.02±7.8 years. The mean HbA1c was 8.39±1.7, and glycemic goals (HbA1C < 7%) were achieved in 15.7%. Achievement of LDL, triglyceride, and HDL goals were as follow; 46.4%. 53.3%, 70.8%, respectively. 66.3% of subjects achieved systolic blood pressure, and 88.7% achieved diastolic blood pressure goals. Younger age, longer diabetes duration, and higher LDL levels were associated with poor glycemic control. CONCLUSION: Glycemic control is inadequate among patients with diabetes following at the PCCs in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A patient-centered approach and individualized management plan considering all risk factors are required.