Many studies have shown that improved glycemic control reduces the risk of many diabetes mellitus (DM) complications. HbA1c and microalbuminuria are two good indicators of glycemic control. The purpose of this study was to understand a population based on status of diabetes control in central Taiwan. A total of 2,293 blood and urine samples of DM. patients were collected from 53 general medical care units (22 in Changhua and 31 in Taichung). The national glycohemoglobin standardization program (NGSP) calibrated ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for the measurement of HbA1c. Nephelometry method was used for urine microalbumin determination. The mean value of HbA1c was 8.0±1.6% in 2,293 patients and the majority (43.1%) had HbA1c values exceeding 8.0%, indicating of poor glycemic control. Only 32.7% had HbA1c value within glycemic control target (below 7.0%). 18.8% had HbA1c values from the 53 general medical care units were also compared. It revealed that 22 medical care units had poor performance for their DM patients, because they had more than 18.8% of their patients having HbA1c values exceeding 9.5%. 34% of the total specimens had proteinuria. Among them 26% were still in the stage of microalbuminuria (ACR value between 30-300μg/mg creatinine). To prevent chronic diabetic complications, more strenuous glycemic control was required. Our investigation model established the population based status of glycemic control in DM patients. The results revealed that the glycemic control was still unsatisfactory in our study. An intervention of DM care education was needed for the improvement of glycemic control.
