Management goal achievements of diabetes care in Iran: study profile and main findings of DiaCare survey

The current study assessed treatment goal achievements in type 2 diabetics, diabetes care service utilization, prevalence of diabetes complications, and psychological effects of diabetes in a representative sample of Iranian population in urban and rural areas.

Materials and Methods

This nationwide study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 as the observational survey entitled “Diabetes Care (DiaCare)”. We studied a representative sample of participants with type 2 diabetes, aged 35–75 years, living in urban and rural areas in all thirty- one provinces of Iran. Data were collected by an interviewer in a form of a questionnaire that includes demographic and socioeconomic status, family and drug history, lifestyle, and self-reported psychological status according to a Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Management goal achievements, diabetes care service utilization, diabetes complications and psychological effects of diabetes were also assessed. Physical measurements were measured based on standard protocol. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, lipid profile, and also urine albumin to creatinine ratio were obtained from all participants of the study.

Results

Overall, 13,334 people with type 2 diabetes in 31 provinces of Iran completed the survey (response rate: 99.6%). In total 13,321 participants, 6683(50.17%) women and 6638(49.83%) men were included in our analysis. Thirteen recruited patients refused after the consenting process and did not respond. The mean age (SD) of total participants was 54.86 ± 9.44 years and 71.50% were from the urban areas. 13.66% of diabetic patients had achieved the triple target of management [controlled HbA1c, blood pressure, and Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C)] in the whole country. While 28.74% of people had controlled HbA1c and 33.40% of them had controlled FBG. Diabetic subjects living in rural areas had less controlled HbA1c (23.93 vs. 29.48), controlled FBG (29.50 vs. 34.20) and controlled triple targets (10.45 vs. 14.32) than those living in urban areas. Diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot were more common in women than men, while end-stage of renal disease (ESRD) was more common in men than women.

Conclusions

This population-based study provided representative information about diabetes care in Iran. The high prevalence of diabetes and low proportion of diabetes control in Iran implies that it is necessary to identify factors associated with poor treatment goal achievements. Besides, general improvements in management and care of diabetes are mandatory.