Journal Article

HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol control in adults with diabetes: A report card for Kuwait

Narayan, KM Venkat, Alarouj, Monira, Bennakhi, Abdullah, Qabazard, Sarah, Al‐Wotayan, Rihab, Al Duwairi, Qais, Al‐Kandari, Hessa, Gujral, Unjali P, Alkandari, Abdullah

2022

Overview

Aim To assess the level of glycemic, blood pressure, and cholesterol control (the ‘ABCs’) nationally amongst adults with diabetes living in Kuwait. Materials and Methods Using data from two national cross‐sectional surveys, the levels of risk factor control were assessed in 1,801 adults with diabetes, aged 18–82 years. Glycemic control was defined as HbA1c < 7%, blood pressure control as systolic and diastolic blood pressures of <140/90 mmHg, and non‐HDL cholesterol control as <3.4 mmol/L. Results The percentage of adults with diabetes achieving control was 39.2% (95% CI, 37.0–41.5) for glycemia, 58.4% (95% CI, 56.0–60.7) for blood pressure, and 28.3% (95% CI, 26.3–30.4) for non‐HDL cholesterol. The percentage of adults who were non‐smokers was 77.6% (95%, CI 75.6–79.4). The percentage of adults with diabetes achieving control on all three risk factors was 7.4% (95% CI, 6.3–8.8), and only 5.8% (95% CI, 4.8–7.0) achieved ABC control and were nonsmokers. ABC control was 30% higher in women compared with men. Non‐Kuwaitis were almost twice as likely to have uncontrolled ABC factors compared with Kuwaitis. Conclusions Only 1 in 13 people with diabetes in Kuwait achieved good control of glycemia, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Only 2 in 5 achieved glycemic control, 6 in 10 blood pressure control, and 2 in 7 cholesterol control. A national diabetes quality improvement program is urgently needed to improve the quality of care and to prevent long‐term complications. Using data from two nationally representative cross‐sectional studies on 1,801 adults aged 18‐82 years, we found that most adults living with diabetes in Kuwait receive less than optimal diabetes care. Only 39.2% achieved glycemic control, 58.4% achieved blood pressure control and 28.3% achieved non‐HDL cholesterol control. Only 7.4% achieved control in all three “ABC” factors, and only 5.8% achieved control in all 4 factors in addition to not smoking.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Adults / Age / Biochemistry / Blood glucose / Blood pressure / Body mass index / Cholesterol / Cross-sectional studies / Diabetes / Diabetes mellitus / Fasting / Glucose / High density lipoprotein / Hypertension / Lipids / Management / Medical laboratories / Multidisciplinary teams / Original / Quality control / Questionnaires / Response rates / Risk factors / Self report / Surveillance / Targets / Womens health