Diabetes prevalence and quality of diabetes care among Lebanese or Turkish immigrants compared to a native Danish population

Abstract 

Objectives

To describe Type 2 diabetes prevalence and care among Turkish (T) and Lebanese (L) immigrants as compared to native Danes (DK) in the county of Aarhus.

Method

Data from The National Health Service Registry, The Regional Laboratory Database and The Danish National Hospital Registry were collected from 2000 through 2003 to identify and describe known diabetes in a background population of 244.426 citizens in the age group of 40–70 years living in the County of Aarhus.

Results

The age-standardised prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 3.6% (DK), 18.9% (L) and 19.8% (T). In 2003, HbA1c was measured at least once in 84% (DK), 87% (L) and 83% (T) of the patients. In 2003, 72% (DK), 53% (L) and 51% (T) had an HbA1c <8% (p<0.05) and less than 50% of all groups had a total-cholesterol <5.0mmol/l. In 39% (DK), 35% (L) and 37% (T) of the patients, no examination for retinopathy was registered during the period of 2000–2003. A cardiovascular diagnosis was registered in 27% (DK), 32% (L) and 33% (T) of the patients (p=NS).

Conclusion

Compared to native Danes, Lebanese and Turkish immigrants had a much higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and worse glycaemic regulation. The routine monitoring of diabetes care for native Danes, Lebanese or Turkish immigrants were similar. Overall, diabetes care is not satisfactory neither for native Danes, nor Lebanese or Turkish immigrants.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Immigrants, Prevalence, Quality of care