Poor control and management of cardiovascular risk factors among Albanian diabetic adult patients

Abstract Background Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors represent potential targets for intervention. A good metabolic control, associated with control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels is proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among individuals with diabetes mellitus. Objectives To examine 2004–2005 medical records of adults with previously diagnosed diabetes and to evaluate the fulfillment of diabetes guidelines treatment, for the metabolic control and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Research, design and methods We reviewed the data from the National Register of Diabetes (Tirana district), updated during this period. As guidelines we used the ADA 2006 Recommendations for metabolic control, HTA, lipid profile and aspirin therapy. Results We examined 7259 medical records. Only 14.58% of the patients had an HbA1c 200 mg/dl. In total, only 5.5% of our patients attained recommended goals of cardiovascular risk factors for HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid profile. Conclusions The follow-up of diabetic patients during the transient period in Albania is marked by a deterioration of diabetes metabolic control and poor management of cardiovascular risk factors. Further public health efforts are needed for better control of these risk factors among adults with diagnosed diabetes.