Adherence to clinical care guidelines for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in 659 German/Austrian patients.

BACKGROUND

In Germany/Austria, data on medical care for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is limited.

METHODS

Anonymized data from 659 CFRD patients were analyzed and compared to the latest ADA/CFF guidelines.

RESULTS

Specialized diabetes clinics were attended less frequently than recommended (3.1 vs. 4.0 times yearly). 7.9% of patients had a complete profile of examinations: diabetes education (44.9%), HbA1c (88.8%), blood pressure (79.5%), BMI (86.5%), lipid status (37.5%), retinopathy (29.9%), microalbuminuria (33.2%), and self-monitoring of blood glucose (71.6%). HbA1c and blood pressure were measured less frequently than recommended (2.3 and 2.0 vs. 4.0 times yearly). Overall, guidelines were followed more frequently in children than adults. Contrary to recommendations, not all patients were treated with insulin (77.2 vs. 100.0%). Insulin therapy was initiated earlier in children than adults, but there was still a substantial delay (0.9 vs. 2.7years after diagnosis, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In CFRD patients studied, adherence to care guidelines was suboptimal.