DIABETIC CARE : AN AUDIT 

Mathew K. Joe, Little Flower Hospital & Research Centre, Angamaly.

Aims of the study: Although as physicians we are aware of minimum standards of care, in actual practice it is often below accepted levels.  This is a study to assess our routine clinical practice in diabetes and to find out problem areas of care in our hospital.

Method of study: All patients seen in the medicine department for a period of three months were interviewed using a questionnaire form.  Information available from case notes were used to fill up clinical data.  Ambiguous answers or data were not entered.  No attempts were made to scrutinize gycaemic control, as this was not one of the aims of the study.

Summary of the study: A study of 179 diabetic patients were done.  Majority were from rural areas, were females, were over 50 years old, were non graduate, were non vegetarians, were non smokers, were non alcoholic and were lean.  Majority had diabetes between 5 to 20 years of duration.  Majority did little or no exercise.  Majority had no dietary advise.  Majority were on OHA.  Majority were depending on others for insulin delivery.  Neuropathy and hypertension were the commonest complications managed.  Screening for eye complications, nephropathy and dyslipidaemia were not done as a routine.  Nearly 50% had first degree relative with diabetes.  Majority were happy with the care provide but felt some inadequacy on requestioning.  Remarks: We have identified the problem areas of care and a process of reorganization is very much in place.  A diabetic foot screening and retinopathy screening clinic have started.