Quality of care for migrant populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Italy: a retrospective analysis of data from the the Italian AMD (Associations of Medical Diabetologists) annals initiative

Abstract

Purpose

Italy is a major hub for migration routes. Disparities in health management across different geographic regions, particularly among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), are well recognized, yet comprehensive data on the quality of T2D care in migrant populations remain limited.

Methods

Quality indicators of T2D care were analyzed for foreign patients compared with European patients using the 2022 AMD Annals database. The Italian National Institute of Statistics classification defined geographic origins.

Results

Data on country of origin were available for 179,536 T2D patients, with 19.3% being foreign, mainly from North Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Central and South Asia, Central and South America.Foreign T2D patients were generally younger, resulting in shorter disease duration. While annual screening rates for risk factors and major complications were as European subjects, critical gaps were noted in microalbuminuria and retinopathy assessments. Treatment intensity was lower for patients from North and West Africa and Central and South Asia, though the use of innovative therapies like GLP-1RAs and SGLT2i was comparable to European patients. The overall quality of care, measured by the Q-score, was lowest in West African patients (26.4 ± 9.1 vs. 29.1 ± 8.0), while 51.6% of those from Central and South Asia had satisfactory care quality (Q-score > 25).

Conclusion

Study showed differences in age, disease duration, and treatment among patients from various geographic regions, while indicating equitable access to therapies and comparable overall quality of care. These findings may inform management strategies to improve T2D care for migrant populations.