Metabolic Regulation and Related Factors in Diabetic Patients Referred to a Primary Health Center in Provincial Center of Kayseri

Purpose: Metabolic regulation may affect diabetic complications and life quality. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the level of metabolic regulation in the diabetic patients and the some factors related to metabolic regulation. Material and Methods: This investigation was performed in a primary health center in the provincial center of Kayseri, between December 2006 and May 2007. A total of 294 self reported diabetic patients were taken into the study. A questionnaire containing 53 questions was applied. Additionally, HbA1c measures were taken. Chi-square test, logistic regression method and Spearman s correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: The numbers of male and female cases were equal, mean age was 57.6±9.7 years and mean duration of diabetes was 6.8±6.2 years. Metabolic regulation was poor in 45.9%, intermediate in 29.3% and good in 24.8% of the patients. The percentage of the patients having good metabolic regulation has decrease by age (p 0.05) and duration of diabetes (p 0.001), increase by educational level (p 0.05). Metabolic regulation of the patients using insulin is worse than the others (p 0.001). Conclusion: Metabolic regulation of diabetic patients was generally poor. There are numerous medical and social factors related to metabolic regulation. Both the patients and the health professionals should attach importance to this subject.