ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The most objective way of evaluating metabolic control in diabetic patients is using reliable laboratory tests. The laboratory examinations show the effectiveness of the management and compliance. The aim of the study was to observe metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with the use of routinely available laboratory tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The laboratory study was performed on 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus supervised by a diabetologist in a Specialistic Diabetic Outpatient Clinic. Biochemical parameters such as fasting glucose, random glucose, HbA(1c), lipids, creatinine, albuminuria were checked twice with average intervals between the examinations of 14 months. RESULTS: The results of the two examinations showed elevated average levels of fasting glucose, random glucose and HbA(1c). The values of lipid profile and albuminuria exceeded the Polish Diabetes Association targets. Only the average HDL-C concentration reached the target in both examinations. Among the examined patients only 14% achieved the targets for all the parameters while 4% showed no equalization of the parameters. Good glycemic control with HbA(1c) < 6.5% was obtained in 36% of the patients. Accepted glycemic control with HbA(1c) between 6.5% and 8% was observed in 38% of the patients. Poor glycemic control with HbA(1c) > 8% concerned 26% of the patients. Diabetic nephropathy was diagnosed in 24% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study have proved that diabetes mellitus management is not effective and does not achieve the PDA targets. Consequently, it does not lead to good metabolic control and contributes to complications.