Iraj Nabipoor, Farhad Vafaju, Mohammad-Saïd Mohajeri, Houman Salimepour, Shahram Abutalebi, Peyman Andalib, Mojtaba Jafari,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (5-2003)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus, the most common metabolic disorder of childhood, has important physical and emotional complications this urges the role of patient education and self-monitoring. Diabetes is costly since patients have to do several lab tests and spend a lot on treatment.
Methods: 150 patients with IDDM entered this cross-sectional study. The metabolic control and degree to which these patients were utilizing available facilities were determined and compared with same surveys from Germany, France, USA, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
Results: 91.3% of patients had no glucometer thus were unable to do self-monitoring. HbA1C had been regularly determined in only 8.66%. Insulin therapy was improper or inadequate in 59.1%. The quality of metabolic control was significantly poorer than the other mentioned nations (P< 0.001).
Conclusion: The study advocates educational programs for diabetics. Complete insurance coverage and free weekly lab tests are also suggested.
