A Cohort Study of Comorbidities of Diabetes in Regional Australia

A Cohort Study of Comorbidities of Diabetes in Regional Australia

Background
Epidemic of diabetes mellitus and its complications poses a major global threat and the burden of type 2 DM (T2DM) is also a worldwide phenomenon. However, data to rationalize continuous health promotion at local context such as regional New South Wales are lacking, and this underscores the need for continued epidemiological study. This study investigated if poorly controlled T2DM coexists with comorbidities more than those with good glycaemic control.

Methods
This was a cohort study at a private General Practice in Orange NSW, Australia. The study involved 137 de-identified adults living with T2DM. HbA1c and other biochemical and haematological records were reviewed. Other data included clinical notes including comorbidities, and complications. The cohort was separated into 2 groups: well-controlled versus poor glycaemic control. The resulting data were analysed for frequency, using the statistical software for Microsoft Excel.

Results
There were 37/137 of the T2DM cohort with baseline HbA1c of ≤ 6.5%, implying 73% poor glycaemic control in the region, at first time of testing. According to the clinical notes, the well-controlled group showed 29.7% comorbidities, including 2.7% queried infection. Among the 100 cases with abnormal HbA1c, comorbidities were observed in 22% including 4% who had infections.

Conclusions
Our observation implies no less comorbidities in well-controlled diabetes. However, the higher percentage of infection among the poorly controlled group is confirmation of need for continuous health promotion among people living with diabetes.

Key messages
This primary health statistic suggests the need to monitor for comorbidities equally, whether poor or well-controlled diabetes

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.