Abstract
The objective of the study is to determine and compare a good target level of blood sugar control assessed by HbA1c, blood pressure and serum LDL -cholesterol in diabetic patients attending out-patients clinics at King Abdul Aziz university, government hospital and patients attending out-patients clinics at Erfan and Bageddo private hospital in Jeddah in western province of Saudi Arabia. This is a cross section study conducted at two month period between January 2005 and February 2005 in two centers (KAUH) and Erfan Bageddo Hospital. The data included demographic data, duration and type of DM. HbA1c, blood pressure level, serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level, different types of drugs that were being used were recorded.
Two hundred patients, one hundred from each hospital were enrolled in the study. Females accounted for 70% at KAUH group versus 54 % in Erfan group. Saudi patients attending Erfan group were 62 % compared to 51 % in KAUH group. Mean HbA1c was almost the same in both groups 7.8+/-1.8 mmol/ L. good and acceptable HbA1c was observed in 58 % at KAUH group versus 54 % at Erfan group. The blood pressure target control was good in both groups; however target LDL-cholesterol was scientifically better in Erfan group 1.88+/-1.2 versus 3.22+/.9 m mol/ L in KAUH group with significant p value of 0.0001. The low rate of aspirin use amongst diabetic patients was observed more in KAUH study group compared to Erfan group
Even after great efforts, a target level of HbA1c glycated hemoglobin not achieved in both groups of patients - in private and governmental hospitals. LDL-cholesterol was not achieved n governmental hospital, where as low rate of aspirin use was not achieved in both groups. Efforts are needed to improve compliance to diet and drug regimens and to identify and treat risk factors in each patient with the aim to reach target recommendations for HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol.