Diabetes team as a cost effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

To study retrospectively type - 2diabetic patients who were admitted to a medical unit at KAUH to achieve a glycaemic control. Method:- Medical charts were reviewed for patient's data over two years period between October 2000- October 2002. Patient's data included age, sex, nationality, length of hospital stay, duration of diabetes, BMI and the three different modalities used to achieve glycaemic control. Results:- Total of 75 patients were included in the study in the study. 37% were males, 63% females. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in the duration of diabetes, blood sugar level at the time of admission or the length of hospital stay. However, females were heavier than males with higher BMI 31.29 compared to 26.7 in males. In 30% of patients. Glycaemic control was achieved by oral anti- diabetic agents in addition to other measures. Fourteen and a half% of the patients required insulin, oral ant- diabetic agents combination therapy, 54.5% required insulin therapy with twice or multiple injection regimens. Mean length of hospital stay was 10 days Conclusion and recommendation Achieving glycaemic control in type- 2 diabetic patients in this study required prolonged hospitalization. A team work approach of physician, dietician and diabetic educator on an out patient basis to a achieve glycaemic control in diabetics is cost effective and time saving. Diabetic center will provide all the education to outpatients