Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To characterize a group of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus patients.
Methods:
A cohort of 43 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 12%) was identified and categorized based upon information given in their medical records. A control group of 43 was generated from the group of diabetic patients at Ahus who had an HbA1c < 8%.
Results:
There were few differences between the group of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus patients and the control group. The control group was significantly older than the poorly controlled group and there were more patients with nephropathy. The poorly controlled group had a higher frequency of psychiatric problems and had shorter time intervals between their appointments at the clinic.
Conclusion:
In this study we found that even though poorly controlled diabetes mellitus patients are not a homogenous group, a few characteristics stood out. The poorly regulated group had more psychiatric problems, they were younger than the control group and they had fewer complications in the form of nephropathy. The importance of glycemic control is well-documented and it seems especially important for newly diagnosed and younger patients. For patients with previous cardiovascular events or strong cardiovascular risk factors one might accept less strict control.