The current state of diabetes management in Taiwan

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of diabetes management and complication status in Taiwan. A cohort of 2446 patients (from 25 diabetic centers) with more than 12 months of diabetes management participated and data were collected by interviews and reviewing the medical records. Overal l, 97% were diagnosed as type 2 diabetes, with a mean age (+/-S.D.) of 61.6 +/- 11.3 years, duration of diabetes of 10.3 +/- 7.3 years and age at onse t of diabetes of 51.5 +/- 11.8 years. Mean BMI was 25.1 +/- 3.6 kg/m(2) and about 50% had BMI > 25 kg/m(2). Majority (75%) were treated with oral hypo glycemic agents (OHAs), 14% with insulin and 10% with combination of insuli n and OHA. Mean HbA(1c) was 8.1 +/- 1.6% and 59% had HbA(1c) > 7.4% (1% abo ve the upper limit of normal range, 4.7-6.4%). Mean FBG was 9.0 +/- 3.3 mmo l/l and 59% had FBG > 7.8 mmol/l. Of all the patients who had screening for complications, cataract (38%), neuropathy (30%), proteinuria. (17%) and st roke (6%) were the most frequently reported eye, feet, kidney and late comp lications. We conclude that the majority of patients involved in this study had unsatisfactory glycaemic control which may lead to diabetes complicati ons. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.