Micro- and macrovascular complications among Greenlanders and Danes with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nuuk, Greenland.
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.
Pedersen
Michael Lynge
ML
Center for Primary Health Care in Nuuk, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland. milp@peqqik.gl
Jacobsen
Jytte Lindskov
JL
Lynge
Anna Rask
AR
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