Are type 2 diabetic patients meeting targets? A Helen Joseph Hospital Diabetic Clinic Audit

Background: The risk of complications from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is high. Achieving targets reduces the morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess whether patients at the Helen Joseph Hospital's Diabetic Clinic are meeting the 2012 SEMDSA targets for diabetes. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was carried out. The files of 321 patients with T2DM were reviewed. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, abdominal circumference and lipograms were assessed. Results: The study population comprised majority black (n = 143; 44.6%) and coloured (n = 109; 34%) patients and was predominantly female (n = 200; 62.3%). The mean age was 59.4 years (SD 9.9 years). In total, 89.1% (n = 286) had hypertension, and 82.2% (n = 264) dyslipidaemia. The metabolic syndrome criteria were fulfilled by 266 (91.2%) patients. The majority did not exercise (n = 174; 56.3%). A small number smoked (n = 39; 12.5%) and used alcohol (n = 33; 10.6%). Mean HbA1c was 9.5% (SD 2.4; range 3.9–16.9%). Only 49 (15.3%) achieved the target HbA1c. Target blood pressure was achieved by 72 patients (25%). LDL target was achieved by 71 (22.6%) and abdominal circumference by 32 (11%) patients. Conclusions: Despite adequate protocols and access to tertiary medical care, a very small percentage of patients are achieving proposed targets. The reasons for this are likely multi-fold and further analysis is required to assess these.