Prevalence and quality of care indicators of type 2 diabetes in the population of the Basque Country (Spain)

Objective

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions, and consequently the prevention and management of the disease is now a major public health challenge. This study aims to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Basque Country, and identify new cases and the management of the disease based on data sourced from administrative databases.

Methods

Records of all citizens living in the Basque Country aged ≥35 were reviewed and an algorithm was established to detect the presence of T2DM from registered diagnoses and prescriptions. Information from a four-year period was extracted detailing the demographic variables, requirements recommended by clinical practice guidelines, the level of management of the disease in accordance with local guidelines and the presence of ischemic heart disease.

Results

In 2011, there were 134,421 diagnosed cases of T2DM, representing a known prevalence of 9.12%. There were 8,896 new cases. The three main control criteria, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), LDL-cholesterol (LDLc) and blood pressure (BP), were met in 23.2% of people diagnosed with ischemic heart disease diagnosis and in 24.5% of people without a diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions

The prevalence observed in the Basque Country is lower than that observed in Spain, and the achievement of targets for HbA_1c, BP, and LDLc was slightly better, except the BP values, which were similar. The data recorded in this study could lead to the development of strategies to improve clinical care for patients with type 2 diabetes.