The DINAMIC 2 study: aims, assumptions and methods (I)

Abstract

Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are taken care of by family physicians. For this reason it is necessary to evaluate the quality of primary care among diabetic patients. We analysed diabetes control based upon the fulfilment of international criteria, and therapeutic approach. Analysis was carried out by 293 primary care physicians of 320 randomly chosen all over Poland. Each physician evaluated 10 consecutive type 2 diabetics. Altogether 2693 patients were included in the final analysis. Glycated haemoglobin was measured by HPLC in the central laboratory in 94.4% of patients. We also assessed body mass index, blood pressure, microalbuminuria, mode of treating diabetes and arterial hypertension, education and self-control. The results of the study provided a basis for defining the level of diabetes control and mode of treatment not only in the whole country but also comparatively in the individual regions, which could allow for modification of health policy with respect to type 2 diabetes mellitus.