Management and control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Lebanon results from the international diabetes management practices study (IDMPS)‎

Abstract EN

BACKGROUND : The IDMPS is a study to identify changes in diabetes treatment practice in several developing countries.

This paper focuses on diabetes management and compliance with guidelines in a Middle Eastern country like Lebanon.

METHODS : The cross-sectional data from the 2006 wave of two weeks duration on the Lebanese population along with the longitudinal data of a 9-month follow-up study were collected.

RESULTS : A large proportion of Lebanese patients were not adequately controlled or followed up.

A slight proportion was managed by diet and exercise alone while most patients were on two or more oral anti-hyperglycemics.

Metformin was the most common monotherapy followed by sulfonylureas.

22.6% of Lebanese patients were on insulin, most commonly basal insulin alone followed by premix insulin alone.

Blood glucose self-monitoring was more frequently done by insulinized patients and was associated with better glycemic control.

Glycemic control was reached in 29.6% of type 2 patients (HbA1c < 7%) with poorest outcome for patients on insulin and was more frequently achieved in patients who had more frequent monitoring of HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSION : For a proper assessment of diabetic control, maintaining adherence to international guidelines needs to be evaluated.

Promoting patient education, improving physician knowledge with better implementation of guidelines is recommended.