Standards of Care of Diabetic Patients at a Peri-urban Hospital in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have reported a high prevalence of diabetes among black South Africans. In the last decade emphasis has been placed on improving structures for the care of diabetic patients. This study was designed to assess the structure, process and outcome of diabetic care in a peri-urban hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: All case notes of diabetic patients over a 3-month period were examined. Results: The records of 307 patients were reviewed.Only 11 (48%) of the 23 standards for structure were achieved. Blood glucose and blood pressure measurements were carried out in 85% of patients while smoking history recorded in 37%. All patients underwent urine analysis. Serum creatinine and cholesterol were estimated in 78% and 67% of patients respectively.There was no record of eye or foot examination. Hypertension was present in 26.5% and hypercholest-erolaemia in 22.3% of cases. Conclusions: Standards of medical care for diabetic patients were not optimal. Glycaemic control was generally poor. The practice of regular foot and eye examination needs to be introduced and emphasised.