Social, demographic and cardiovascular risk profile of diabetic patients from an urban healthcare center SSMN-2004

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is of great relevance in Chile, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Its control should include the overall management of the different cardiovascular risk factors. Amongst them, diabetes mellitus plays a crucial role.

In order to describe a population of diabetic patients followed at one center of the Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Norte, we performed a retrospective descriptive study. Four hundred and thirty four clinical files from patients being followed up for diabetic foot between August 2003 and August 2004 were reviewed. Social and demographic variables (gender, age, marital status, level of education, occupation) as well as clinical variables (duration of diabetes, capillary glycemia, diagnosis of high arterial pressure, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, nutritional status, and alcohol and tobacco intake) were analyzed.

The epidemiological parameters evidenced a predominantly female population, with a mean age of 61.3 years, most of them married, with basic scholar levels and unstable employments. Clinical variables showed an average duration of diabetic symptoms of 7 years, with abnormal glycemia, arterial blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eighty eight (88%) percent had an altered nutritional status. Seventy eight percent (78%) of the sample had a high cardiovascular risk, regardless of diabetes mellitus.

The observed clinical parameters raise concern, due to the deficient metabolic control of these patients and the presence of co-morbid conditions relevant to the etiology of cardiovascular disease. It is imperious to improve the control of cardiovascular risk factors among this group of patients, particularly emphasizing on educational support and ensuring the implementation of the prevailing regulations.