Gender differences in risk factor control and treatment profile in diabetes: a study in 229 Swedish primary health care centres

Abstract

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.

Design Cross-sectional survey of consecutive diabetes patients.

Setting 229 PHC centres in Sweden.

Subjects 5082 men and 4293 women with diabetes were investigated (1998–2001).

Main outcome measures Glycaemic control (HbA_1c), 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 (HbA_1c <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.

Conclusion Elderly male patients with diabetes had a more favourable risk factor control than corresponding female patients.

• diabetes
• drugs
• gender
• glucose
• hypertension
• lipids
• primary health care

Scand J Prim Health Care 2004;22:27–31. ISSN 0281-3432

Scand J Prim Health Care 2004;22:27–31. ISSN 0281-3432