State of Diabetes Care in Korean Adults: According to the American Diabetes Association Recommendations

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We assessed the state of diabetes control in Korean adults from the 2001 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. METHODS: A total of 271 adult diabetes patients (125 males, 146 females) were identified from the health interview survey. Diabetes control status was assessed by the American Diabetic Association (ADA) recommendations. Socioeconomic characteristics and the health status were assessed by an interview and the health- related behavior was assessed by self-questionnaire. A one-day 24-hour recall was used for the dietary assessment. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were done. Fasting blood was drawn for glucose, HbA1c, and lipids profile. RESULTS: The proportions of patients reaching the recommended goals for fasting plasma glucose (45 mg/dl for males, >55 mg/dl for females) were 57.2%, 19.9%, 24.4%, 27.8%, 64.5% and 20.7%, respectively. Body mass index, and smoking in males and age, and diabetes duration in females were associated with HbA1c level. CONCLUSION: This study shows that diabetes in Korean adult is not adequately controlled. National effort is needed to achieve the recommended treatment goals and to manage modifiable risk factors such as obesity and smoking.