Quality of diabetes care and its consequences in Northern Iran

Background. Diabetes is an important public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the quality of care in patients with diabetes type 2 and its consequences in rural areas at Golestan province, North of Iran, in comparison to standards of the Ministry of Health and Education of Iran and the American Diabetes Association. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study based on data from 308 patients with diabetes type 2 in rural areas at Golestan province, which was conducted through a two-stage classified sampling method and random selection. Data of this research was gathered through a questionnaire (fulfilled by the interviewer), assessment blood sugar, and information obtained from patients’ files. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and SPSS version19. Results. The mean age of patients was 57 years and 88 patients (29%) were male. Only 35% of patients were visited seasonally by a family physician. In addition, only 24% of patients were visited at least once a year by an ophthalmologist, and 31% of patients underwent a glycated hemoglobin test at least twice a year. Influenza and hepatitis vaccines were given to 1.6% and 9.4% of patients, respectively. 85% of patients were evaluated once a year for lipid profile and 61% for creatine and albumin. Only 31% of patients received nutrition counseling at least once a year. Controlled glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) was 27% and most patients were in the range of overweight and obesity (> 75%). Conclusion. The findings of this study showed that the quality of diabetes care and its consequences in patients is not desirable and is far from the standards provided by the Iran’s Ministry of Health and the American Diabetes Association and requires revision in the current program of diabetes control