Clinical characteristics of the diabetic patients managed at the different medical institutions in Seoul and Gyeonggi province

Background: In spite of various types of medical supports, many diabetic patients have not been cared adequately. This study was performed to investigate the clinical characteristics and the patterns of management according to the types of the medical institutions. Methods: Seven private clinics as primary care institutions, 3 hospitals as secondary care institutions, and 2 medical centers as the tertiary care institutions located in Seoul and Gyeonggi province were the targets of investigation for three months from December 2000 to February 2001. The survey included demographic information, biochemical tests and the pharmacological agents used concomitantly. The subjects who have completed the entire tests were respectively 321, 343 and 1830 patients in the primary, secondary and tertiary care centers. Results: There were no significant differences in age and sex distribution among the study groups. The fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were highest in secondary and primary institutions, respectively. The glycated hemoglobin levels were higher in primary care institutions than in others. In tertiary care institutions, blood pressure and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol) were better controlled compared with the other study groups. Conclusion: In spite of the limited data from the selected medical institutions, the overall status of the blood glucose, hypertension and hyperlipidemia management for the diabetic patients in Korea were inadequate in all types of medical institutions. For the better management of the diabetic patients, more efforts will be required including the standard management protocol as well as the education program for the primary physicians.