Surveys of more than 4,000 people with diabetes have revealed generally poor levels of care, according to researchers at the government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They found:

• 18 percent of the patients had HbA1c levels of 9.5% or higher.
• 34% had uncontrolled high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher).
• 58% had high LDL cholesterol levels (130 mg/dL or higher).
• 45% had not had a foot exam in the previous year.
• 37% had not had a dilated eye exam in the previous year.

People without health insurance were less likely than those with health insurance to have the recommended eye and foot exams and to have adequate blood glucose control.

The researchers undertook the analysis to produce a national diabetes report card, noting that because it is possible to accomplish so much with good care, it’s important to measure the general quality of diabetes care in the US. They concluded, "A gap exists between recommended diabetes care and the care patients actually receive."

lifeclinic.com's clinical advisors note that patients are responsible for managing their disease, too. You can make sure that your blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure are monitored, and ask your doctor about your dilated eye exam and foot exams.

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Source: Saaddine JB, Engelgau MM, Beckles GL, et al. A diabetes report card for the United States: quality of care in the 1990s. Annals of Internal Medicine. April 16, 2002;136(8):565-574.