Comparison of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) levels in 2009 and 2012 among diabetic patients at a primary care clinic: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

To update the existing knowledge on glycemic control measures in Saudi Arabia, by comparing the glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc] levels of diabetic patients attending a primary care clinic in 2009 and 2012 Retrospective cohort study. Primary care clinic, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Diabetic patients visiting a primary care clinic at a tertiary hospital. Laboratory tests were reviewed for all diabetic patients attending a primary care clinic, by using the Hospital Information System [HIS]. Two laboratory tests of HbAlc were determined, one performed in 2009, and the other in 2012, for all diabetic patients visiting a primary care clinic at the King Khalid University Hospital. The HBAlc levels in 2009 and 2012 were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17 software. The results of this study showed that the percentage of diabetic patients with good blood glucose control [HbAlc < 7] was 39.1% during 2009, and 34.9% during 2012. In addition, the results showed that the percentage of diabetic patients with bad control [HbAlc > 9] was 24.5% during 2009, and 23.9% during 2012. Diabetic patients' blood glucose control at the primary care level did not improve from 2009 to 2012. Thus, there is urgent need to evaluate and monitor patients towards improving the quality of diabetic care and the prevention of diabetic complications. Further national cohort studies in different health sectors and regions of Saudi Arabia are recommended