INFLUENCES OF THE GREAT HANSHIN-AWAJI EARTHQUAKE ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN DIABETIC-PATIENTS

We investigated influences on glycemic control in 177 diabetic patient s after The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake which occurred on January 1 7, 1995. Changes in serum HbA(1c) level were studied according to the worsen rate of dietary and living conditions. A significant temporary increase in the mean Value of HbA,, level was found after the earthqua ke (8.34 +/- 2.07% in March, 1995 vs. 7.74 +/- 1.82% in December, 1994 , P < 0.01). Ninety nine of them showed more than 0.5% in the rate of increase. Multiple regression analysis was applied to the following fa ctors: inappropriate diet, discontinuation of drug uptake, reduction o f exercise, destruction of house, long stay at shelter, sex, age, and pre-earthquake therapy. Among them, inappropriate diet demonstrated th e highest partial regression coefficient to raise the mean value of th e HbA(1c) level. The increased level of HbA(1c) declined gradually to the pre-earthquake level in September, 1995. This study emphasizes the importance of appropriate diet for diabetic patients during a natural disaster. To fulfil it, medical staff have to educate diabetic patien ts of their disorders tediously in ordinary lime. In addition, it seem s quite useful to supply a medical information card and a small medica l bag containing essential drugs to each patient. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd.