Attending a single care site associated with improved glycaemic control in people with diabetes

Abstract

Question

Does continuity of care improve control of clinical risk factors in people with diabetes?

Study design

Cross-sectional community-based survey.

Main results

85.5% of participants had continuity of care (single care site and usual provider), 9.3% had a single care site but different providers, and 5.2% had no usual source of care. Good glycaemic control was more likely with continuity of care or single care site compared with no usual source of care (continuity of care: OR 4.62, 95% CI 2.02 to 10.60; single care site: OR 6.13, 95% CI 2.08 to 18.04). There were no significant differences between groups with a usual site. There was no increased likelihood of good control of blood pressure or lipid level among groups.

Authors’ conclusions

There is evidence that good glycaemic control is more likely among people whose diabetic care is provided from one site, regardless of whether it is provided by the same practitioner.