Objective: To investigate the glycemic control and the related factors of type 1 diabetic patients in Guangdong Province.
Methods: Medical records and blood samples of type 1 diabetic patients were collected in 89 tertiary and secondary hospitals from all of the 21 cities in Guangdong Province. The clinical data were analyzed to explore the correlates of glycemic control. HbA1c levels, measured in Guangdong Diabetes Center, were used to assess glycemic control.
Results: 851 patients were enrolled from August 6, 2010 to May 25, 2011. There were 408 males and 443 females. The median (interquartile range) age was 29.6 years (20.3 - 41.3 years). The onset age of diabetes was 25.3 years (15.7 - 35.5 years). The disease duration was 3.3 years (1.0 - 7.3 years). The BMI was 19.9 kg/m(2) (17.9 - 21.8 kg/m(2)). HbA1c levels were 8.6% (6.9% - 11.0%) and only 234 (27.50%) patients reached the age-specific target levels. Correlates with poorer glycemic control were 13 - 19 years old (vs 7 - 12 and ≥ 20 years old), lower household income, not on dietary intervention, never accepting diabetic education and shorter diabetic duration.
Conclusion: The majority of Guangdong type 1 diabetic patients did not achieve target values for glycemic control, indicating an urgent need for comprehensive management to improve glycemic control.