Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to assess control of blood glucose among diabetic patients attending Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh.
METHODS: It is a retrospective study where fasting blood glucose reading for all diabetic patients attending 3 randomly selected Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh was taken during the months of March and April 2000. The patients were divided into 3 categories: those with excellent, those with acceptable and those with poor glycemic control (Fasting blood sugar 4-7, 7-10 and more than 10 mmol/litres).
RESULTS: A total of 991 diabetic patients were involved in the study (83% men and 62% women). Those with excellent glycemic control represent 21% of patients in the first reading and 25% of the patients in the second readings, while those with poor control represent 49% and 44% of the patients in the two readings. The remaining are in the acceptable category.
CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is poorly controlled in a large proportion of diabetic patients attending Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh. Public education and awareness programs should be encouraged. Such programs must include the importance of appropriate life style changes and of self monitoring of blood glucose at home.
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