Gender differences in risk factor control and treatment profile in diabetes: a study in 229 swedish primary health care centres.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the risk factors and treatment profile of diabetes patients treated in primary health care (PHC) in order to evaluate potential gender differences.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of consecutive diabetes patients.


METHODS
229 PHC centres in Sweden.


METHODS
5082 men and 4293 women with diabetes were investigated (1998-2001).


METHODS
Glycaemic control (HbA1c), blood pressure, lipid levels, prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria. Proportions of patients with previous ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and specific drug treatment.


RESULTS
Male patients generally had better blood pressure ( < 140 and/or 85 mmHg) and glycaemic (HbA1c < 6.5%) control than corresponding female patients (44% and 59%, versus 40% and 54% in the 60-75 year age group; p < 0.01). Females showed higher levels of total (p < 0.01) and HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05) than males in all age groups. No gender difference was detected for LDL cholesterol levels in the younger or elderly patients, but in the age group 60-75 years female patients had significantly higher mean LDL cholesterol level than male patients (3.3 vs 3.2 mmol/L; p < 0.05). Previously known manifestations of IHD were more common (p < 0.01) in male patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Elderly male patients with diabetes had a more favourable risk factor control than corresponding female patients.
Nilsson
Peter M
PM
Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. Peter.Nilsson@medforsk.mas.lu.se
Theobald
Holger
H
Journath
Gunilla
G
Fritz
Tomas
T
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000592:standards*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids