Riffi A, Devroey D. A comparison between Moroccan and Belgian type-2 diabetic patients. WONCA Europe 2008 Conference, 4 to 7 September 2008, Istanbul, Turkey.
Eerste auteur: Riffi Abdellatif
Jaar: 2008
Type: Congres
Abstract:
AIMS – PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to compare fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Hba1c% and diabetes complications among Moroccan and Belgian type 2 diabetic patients living in Belgium.
DESIGN
In this retrospective study 95 Moroccan diabetic patients are compared to 62 Belgian diabetic patients. Patients were recruited from two general practitioners (GP) in Mechelen, Belgium. Both doctors spoke fluently Dutch and the language of the patients. The following parameters were compared: FPG, Hba1c% and the presence of complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and foot problems.
RESULTS
The mean FPG was 23% higher in the Moroccan group (186 mg/dl) then in the Belgian group (142 mg/dl) (P-value < 0,001). The mean HbA1c% was significantly higher in the Moroccan group (8,65%) compared to the Belgian group (7,63%) (P-value < 0,001).
In total 5% of the Moroccan patients achieved the target HbA1c% of 6,5%. None of the female Moroccans reached this target level and only 10% of the male Moroccans did. In the female Belgian group it was the case in 13% and in the male Belgian group it was 20%. In the Moroccan group 43% had at least one of the four complications compared to 33% in the Belgian group.
CONCLUSION
Significant difference between the Moroccan and Belgian type 2 diabetic patients were observed although they are treated by the same family physicians. FPG and HbA1c were lower among Belgian patients which presented less complications. Further research is needed to analyse the causal factors.
Trefwoorden: Diabetes, Moroccan, HbA1c%