title: Micro- and macrovascular complications among Greenlanders and Danes with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nuuk, Greenland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the prevalence of micro- and macrovascular complications and risk factors among Greenlanders and Danes with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nuuk, Greenland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational and cross-sectional study, based on a review of medical records and patient interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the electronic medical records and interviews obtained from T2DM patients connected to the Center of Primary Health Care in Nuuk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 123 patients (81 Greenlanders and 42 Danes) with T2DM for a mean of 6 years were included. Fifty-seven percent of the Greenlanders were diagnosed within the last 3 years. Ninety-one percent of the patients had BMI>or=25 kg/m(2), 42% had 1 or more first-degree relatives with diabetes, 43% were current smokers, 69% were categorized as leading a very physically active lifestyle and 60% described a healthy diet pattern. Sixty-eight percent of all the patients suffered from at least 1 complication - 51% neuropathy, 14% retinopathy, 10% macrovascular complication and 43% microalbuminuria. The number of complications was significantly correlated to the duration of diabetes (p=0.008) and low physical activity (p=0.037). Retinopathy was correlated to Danish ethnicity (p=0.020).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of the Greenlandic patients (57%) were diagnosed within the last 3 years, which may indicate either the beginning of an epidemic or an increased awareness of T2DM, or both. The high prevalence of microvascular complications and risk factors such as smoking and microalbuminuria are a matter of concern. Efforts to reduce smoking and increase physical activity could be considered as prime targets for initiatives.
authors.affiliation: Center for Primary Health Care in Nuuk, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland. milp@peqqik.gl
authors.forename: Michael Lynge
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Jytte Lindskov
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Jacobsen
authors.forename: Anna Rask
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Lynge
mesh_terms: D003718:Denmark / Q000208:ethnology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006116:Greenland / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors