Prevalence of prediabetes, diabetes, diabetes awareness, treatment, and its socioeconomic inequality in west of Iran

Availability and affordability of diabetes healthcare services associated with the frequency of diabetes-related complications

AIMS

Understanding the healthcare access challenges facing diabetic patients in low- and middle-income countries is very important. The present study investigated the association between availability (physical access) and affordability (economic access) to diabetes healthcare services and the frequency of diabetes-related complications.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between February and May 2023 in Qazvin, Iran. Using convenience sampling, 373 type 2 diabetic patients (mean age = 57.99 years; SD = 11.71) referred to diabetic specialists' clinics were surveyed. Demographic characteristics, physical access to diabetes healthcare services, economic access to diabetes healthcare services, and frequency of diabetes-related complications (FDRCs) were assessed. Data were assessed using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean total access score to healthcare services was 17.71 (out of 30; SD ± 4.21; range 6-30). Patients who had more access to healthcare services had less diabetes-related complications (p < 0.005). There was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) between FDRCs and (i) physical access to diabetes-related healthcare services (r = -0.166) and (ii) economic access to diabetes-related healthcare services (r = -0.153). Linear regression analysis showed that with each unit increase in participants' economic, physical and total access to diabetes-related healthcare services, the FDRCs among participants decreased by 8.7%, 13.5%, and 8.8% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that increased physical accessibility (availability) and economic accessibility (affordability) of healthcare services are associated with fewer diabetes-related complications. Therefore, policymakers and healthcare managers need to reduce diabetes-related complications by implementing schemes to increase patient access to diabetes treatment services.

Socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence, non-awareness, non-treatment, and non-control of diabetes among South Korean adults in 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes prevalence, non-awareness, non-treatment, and non-control among South Korean adults in 2021. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Relative concentration indices (RCIs) and relative concentration curves stratified by sex and age were used to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence, non-awareness, non-treatment, and non-control of diabetes. The prevalence, non-awareness, lack of treatment, and non-control rates in adults aged 30 years and older in 2021 were 15.9%, 29.5%, 33.3%, and 76.1%, respectively. Diabetes was more prevalent in participants under the age of 65 years than those aged 65 years and older for both men (RCI: -0.081, RCI: -0.158, respectively) and women (RCI: -0.203, RCI: -0.292, respectively). The larger the absolute value of the RCI in non-awareness and non-treatment of diabetes in women, the greater the level of socioeconomic inequalities (RCI: 0.182, RCI: 0.154). Socioeconomic inequalities existed in the prevalence of diabetes among both men and women aged under 65 years. In women, socioeconomic inequalities of non-awareness and non-treatment of diabetes were greater than those in men. Thus, preventive care and monitoring are required, particularly among women and individuals under the age of 65 years.

International dietary quality index and its association with diabetes in RaNCD cohort study

Diabetes and its complications pose a significant threat to global health. Various factors contribute to the development of diabetes, with diet being an important trigger. The Dietary Quality Index-International (DQI-I) serves as an indicator of changes in diet and its association with chronic diseases, including diabetes. The aim of this study is to examine the association between DQI-I and diabetes in adults. Data from the first phase of the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease Cohort Study (RaNCD) were used for this cross-sectional study. The study included individuals from western Iran aged between 35 and 65 years. The DQI-I was used to assess diet quality and the essential aspects of a healthy diet. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compare DQI-I total score and diabetes. A total of 7,079 individuals were included, including 608 diabetic and 6,471 healthy individuals. The mean DQI-I score was 60.51 ± 8.47 in healthy individuals and 63.12 ± 8.64 in diabetics. The odds of developing diabetes were higher in individuals with a higher DQI-I (adjusted odds ratio: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.30-1.73). The variety was 13.43 ± 4.47 in diabetics and 12.59 ± 4.79 in healthy individuals. Adequacy was 33.23 ± 3.71 in diabetics and 33.79 ± 3.37 in healthy individuals. Moderation was 13.27 ± 6.05 in diabetics and 11.79 ± 5.47 in healthy individuals. The overall balance was 2.88 ± 2.21 in the healthy group and 2.61 ± 2.13 in the diabetics. The macronutrient ratio was 2.15 ± 1.88 in the healthy group and 2.04 ± 1.84 in the diabetics. The fatty acid ratio was 0.72 ± 1.29 in the healthy group and 0.56 ± 1.17 in the diabetic group. The overall balance score was higher in the healthy subjects. The DQI-I total score was higher in diabetics, indicating a positive association between diabetes and the DQI-I. Therefore, the importance of continuous dietary management and education of diabetic patients should be emphasized.

Health disparities and inequalities in prevalence of diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Over time, global health systems have witnessed significant improvements in the delivery and coverage of healthcare services. Nevertheless, the increasing prominence of non-communicable diseases remains a persistent challenge. Diabetes is one such non-communicable chronic disease that poses a threat with respect to both mortality and morbidity. This study investigated the socio-economic determinants and inequalities in the prevalence of diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia according to data collected from the 2018 Saudi Family Health Survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics.

METHODS

The analysis was limited to a sample of 11,528 respondents aged ≥ 18 years, selected across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, with complete responses for all variables of interest. Socio-economic determinants in diabetes prevalence were explored with univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Furthermore, inequalities were visualised and quantitatively estimated according to construction of a concentration curve and calculation of the concentration index.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes among the 11,528 respondents was 11.20%. Age, education, income, and residence area were significant determinants of diabetes prevalence, with a greater risk of diabetes found in older participants (odds ratio [OR]: 12.262, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.820-15.313, p < 0.01) compared to younger participants. Inequality analysis showed a negative education-based concentration index (-0.235, p < 0.01), indicating that diabetes prevalence is concentrated among people with relatively less formal education. For males, the income-based concentration index was significantly positive, whereas the education-based concentration index was significantly negative, indicating a greater concentration of diabetes among Saudi men with higher incomes and less education.

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the need to prioritize policies and strategies for diabetes prevention and control with considerations of the socio-economic inequalities in prevalence. Key areas of focus should include improving education levels across all regions, raising awareness about diabetes and implementing nutritional interventions.

Knowledge and Awareness of Type 2 Diabetes Complications in Conflict-Affected Regions: A Cross-Sectional Study in Homs, Syria

Background Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health problem characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either a lack of insulin or insensitivity to it. Concerns about diabetes complications are growing both globally and locally, making effective preventive measures crucial to tackle these complications. This research aimed to determine the level of knowledge and awareness regarding type 2 diabetes complications among patients in Homs, Syria, during the ongoing conflict. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1016 diabetic patients aged 16 years and above attending internal medicine and diabetes clinics in Homs City through a structured questionnaire administered via social media, telephone interviews, and paper forms. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics. In contrast, inferential statistics such as the chi-square test were used to test for associations between different variables with p-value < 0.05 as the significance level. Results The study found that 478 (47.1%) of participants were male, and 538 (53%) were female. The majority 652 (64.2%) were between 46 and 70 years old, and 422 (41.5%) had primary-level education. Most were married 750 (73.8%) and lived in urban areas 856 (84.2%). Diabetes knowledge varied significantly by age, education, occupation, and residence. Housewives and those with lower education levels had the least knowledge, while urban residents and those with 1-5 years since diagnosis had better awareness. Individuals with relatives in the medical field had higher knowledge levels. Results indicate that gender did not significantly influence diabetes knowledge (p = 0.19), while younger adults showed poorer awareness compared to older age groups (p < 0.05). Higher education levels were associated with better knowledge (p < 0.05), and a family history of diabetes correlated with greater awareness of complications. Occupation significantly impacted knowledge, with employed individuals and urban residents demonstrating higher awareness levels (p < 0.05). Diabetes knowledge peaked during the 6-10 year disease duration (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study assesses diabetes knowledge and management practices among 1016 participants in Homs, Syria, focusing on demographic and socioeconomic factors. Our findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve diabetes management, particularly among younger, less educated, and rural populations in Homs. The analysis reveals significant knowledge gaps about diabetes across different demographics in Homs, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs, especially for younger individuals, the less educated, and rural residents. The study emphasizes the importance of education and medical practice in understanding diabetes, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Relationship between diabetes health literacy, distress, burnout, social support, complications, self-care behaviors, and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes: a path analysis study

INTRODUCTION

Improving the quality of life (QOL) is the most important goal of early diagnosis and treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects of health literacy, social support and self-care behaviors and the negative effects of diabetes distress and burnout on the QOL of patients with T2D. Understanding these factors is crucial for people with diabetes. However, no study has investigated the simultaneous effects of these variables on QOL. In this study, our goals were to find out how these variables are related to each other, in addition, which variables play the role of mediating variables, and finally, what is the cumulative effect of these variables in predicting the QOL of patients with T2D. So, this study aimed to examine the relationship between diabetes health literacy (DHL), distress, burnout, social support, complications of diabetes, self-care behaviors, and QOL among patients with T2D by application Path analysis method.

METHODS

In this study 929 participants were entered to study by cluster sampling method and finally, data were analyzed among 820 participants. Data were gathered by self-report and with seven tools of Demographic section, DHL Scale, Diabetes distress scale, Diabetes Burnout scale, Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ), Perceived social support, Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) Questionnaire. The software's of SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24 were used for analysis.

RESULTS

The variables of DHL, social support, diabetes distress, and complications of diabetes predicted 38% variance in diabetes burnout (R2 = 0.38). Greatest impact on diabetes burnout was related to diabetes distress (estimate total effect = 0.539). The variables of DHL, social support, diabetes distress, complications of diabetes, and diabetes burnout predicted 24% variance in self- care behaviors (R2 = 0.24). Greatest impact on self- care behaviors was related to DHL (estimate total effect = 0.354). The variables of DHL, social support, diabetes distress, diabetes burnout, complications of diabetes, and self- care behaviors predicted 49% variance in DQOL (R2 = 0.49). Greatest impact on DQOL was related to variables of diabetes distress (estimate total effect = -0.613), DHL (estimate total effect = 0.225), diabetes burnout (estimate total effect = -0.202), complications of diabetes (estimate total effect = - 0.173), social support (estimate total effect = 0.149), and self -care (estimate total effect = 0.149), respectively.

CONCLUSION

To improve QOL in patients with T2D, health care providers must develop interventions that increase DHL of diabetic. Because DHL can decrease distress and burnout, enhance self -care skills, create supportive networks, and ultimately improve QOL in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Metabolomics Signature in Prediabetes and Diabetes: Insights From Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the metabolic differences between normal, prediabetic and diabetic patients with good and poor glycaemic control (GGC and PGC).

DESIGN

In this study, 1102 individuals were included, and 50 metabolites were analysed using tandem mass spectrometry. The diabetes diagnosis and treatment standards of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) were used to classify patients.

METHODS

The nearest neighbour method was used to match controls and cases in each group on the basis of age, sex and BMI. Factor analysis was used to reduce the number of variables and find influential underlying factors. Finally, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to check the correlation between both glucose and HbAc1 as independent factors with binary classes.

RESULTS

Amino acids such as glycine, serine and proline, and acylcarnitines (AcylCs) such as C16 and C18 showed significant differences between the prediabetes and normal groups. Additionally, several metabolites, including C0, C5, C8 and C16, showed significant differences between the diabetes and normal groups. Moreover, the study found that several metabolites significantly differed between the GGC and PGC diabetes groups, such as C2, C6, C10, C16 and C18. The correlation analysis revealed that glucose and HbA1c levels significantly correlated with several metabolites, including glycine, serine and C16, in both the prediabetes and diabetes groups. Additionally, the correlation analysis showed that HbA1c significantly correlated with several metabolites, such as C2, C5 and C18, in the controlled and uncontrolled diabetes groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings could help identify new biomarkers or underlying markers for the early detection and management of diabetes.

An updated systematic review and Meta-analysis of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Iran, 1996-2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a significant threat to public health, and the anticipated surge of over 100% in the age-standardized prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Iran between 2021 and 2050 underscores the pressing need for focused attention. The rationale for estimating the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Iran becomes even more compelling when considering the potential cascading effects on the healthcare system, quality of life, and economic burden. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and trends of DM from 1996 to 2023 in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Methods

Up to July 2023, without deadlines, the search for appropriate articles in Persian and English. Iranian sources including SID, Magiran, and Element were included in the databases, along with foreign ones like PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Using the JBI quality checklist, the study's level of quality was evaluated. Version 14 of STATA was used to carry out the statistical analysis. The Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were used because of heterogeneity. To investigate the causes of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression were utilized. Sensitivity analysis was then carried out to see how each study's findings affected the final findings. The prevalence pattern over time was also followed using cumulative meta-analysis.

Results

There were 53 studies in all, with a combined sample size of 1,244,896 people. Men were predicted to have a type 2 diabetes prevalence of 10.80% (95% CI: 9.1-12.4), while women were assessed to have a prevalence of 13.4% (95% CI: 11.6-15.3). Additionally, the prevalence of diabetes was much higher in the 55-64 age group, coming in at 21.7% (95% CI: 17.5-25.0). The anticipated prevalence of diabetes was 7.08% for 1988 to 2002, 9.05% for 2003 to 2007, 9.14% for 2008 to 2012, 15.0% for 2013 to 2017, and 13.40% for 2018 to 2023, among other time periods. Geographically, type 2 diabetes was most prevalent in Khuzestan (15.3%), followed by Razavi Khorasan (14.4%), Qazvin (14.3%), and Yazd (12.6%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was estimated at 10.8%, highlighting variations across gender, age groups, and geographic regions that underscore the necessity for specific interventions. These findings advocate for proactive measures, including tailored screening and lifestyle modification programs. The notable temporal increase from 2013 to 2017 signals the need for policymakers and healthcare practitioners to develop effective strategies, anticipating and addressing the potential future burden on the healthcare system.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023437506, identifier: CRD42023437506.

Socioeconomic inequalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a study based on a population-based survey in Iran

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent form of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), with social and economic determinants significantly influencing its prevalence. This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic inequalities associated with T2DM in Iran.

METHODS

Data from an observational survey in Iran, titled "Diabetes Care (DiaCare)," were utilized for this study. Socioeconomic inequalities were assessed through variables including Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), and Triple target (HbA1c, blood pressure, LDL-C), using concentration indices (CIs) and a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Individual socioeconomic status (SES) was determined by calculating an asset index using principle component analysis (PCA) based on their properties. Data analysis was conducted using STATA software version 14.

RESULTS

A total of 13,321 participants were included in the study. The CIs were significantly positive for controlled HbA1c (0.0324) and triple target (0.1067), while for controlled FBG, it was 0.0125, although not significant. Among females, the CIs were significantly positive for controlled HbA1c (0.0745), FBG (0.0367), and triple target (0.209). Additionally, in the 45-55 and 65-75 age groups, the CIs were significantly positive for controlled HbA1c (0.0607) and FBG (0.0708), respectively. This index was significant for controlled Triple target in the 35-45 (0.376) and 65-75 (0.124) age groups. The CI for controlled FBG was significant in rural dwellers (-0.044) while the concentration of controlled triple target was significant in urban dwellers (0.0967). Controlled HbA1c showed significant concentration in both urban (0.0306) and rural (-0.0576) dwellers. Furthermore, the CIs were significant for controlled HbA1c in regions with medium prevalence (0.0534) and FBG in regions with low prevalence (-0.0277). This index was significantly positive for controlled triple target in regions with high prevalence (0.124).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes care is more concentrated among individuals with higher SES. Policymakers should consider this to mitigate the inequality and alleviate the burden of T2DM.

Assessment of Hemoglobin A1c Management and Prescription Cost Due to Polypharmacy Among Patients With Diabetes in Iran Based on the STEPS Iran 2016 Survey and a Prescription Database: A Multi-level, Cross-sectional National Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes frequently results in the need for multiple medication therapies, known as 'Polypharmacy'. This situation can incur significant costs and increase the likelihood of medication errors. This study evaluated the prescriptions of patients with diabetes regarding polypharmacy to assess its effect on the control of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and prescription costs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional national study was conducted based on data from linking the Iranians Health Insurance Service prescriptions in 2015 and 2016 with the STEPS 2016 survey in Iran. The association of the individual and sociodemographic factors, as well as polypharmacy, as independent variables, with control of HbA1c levels and the cost of the prescriptions were assessed among diabetic patients using logistic and linear regression, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 205 patients using anti-diabetic medications, 47.8% experienced polypharmacy. The HbA1c of 74 patients (36.1%) was equal to or less than 7, indicating controlled diabetes. HbA1c control showed no significant association with gender. However, prescription costs were notably lower in females (β=0.559 [0.324‒0.964], P=0.036). No significant correlation was found between the area of residence and prescription costs, but HbA1c was significantly more controlled in urban areas (OR=2.667 [1.132‒6.282], P=0.025). Prescription costs were significantly lower in patients without polypharmacy (β=0.211, [0.106‒0.423], P<0.001), though there was no significant association between polypharmacy and HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that diabetics with polypharmacy paid significantly more for their prescriptions without experiencing a positive effect on the control of HbA1c levels.

Educational Model and Prevention on Prediabetes: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes is a reversible condition before the onset of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Untreated condition of prediabetes will develop into diabetes and its complications. The prevalence of prediabetes has been emerging worldwide and has a considerable socioeconomic impact. The current study reviews the roles of early detection, educational models, life modification, and prophylaxis of individuals with prediabetes in preventing the progression of prediabetes into Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and complications in the future.

METHODS

This study included published articles from several electronic databases. The obtained articles were limited to March 2023. Articles that were not open access and not in Indonesian or English were excluded. The protocol for this study used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020.

RESULTS

Of 39627 articles, 39601 were excluded due to duplication and did not meet the eligibility criteria. At the final, there were 26 articles that were eligible for systematic review.

CONCLUSION

Prevention of the development of prediabetes into diabetes is essential. A comprehensive understanding and training on intensive lifestyle modification protocols from local and national experts in diabetes prevention through digital-based education models and linguistically and culturally approach can be considered. Intensive lifestyle modification and pharmacological approaches may improve the outcome. Regular monitoring of glycemic control is also important for early diagnosis of diabetes, especially in patients with special conditions.

Prediabetes prevalence and awareness by race, ethnicity, and educational attainment among U.S. adults

Introduction

Racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals with limited educational attainment experience a disproportionate burden of diabetes. Prediabetes represents a high-risk state for developing type 2 diabetes, but most adults with prediabetes are unaware of having the condition. Uncovering whether racial, ethnic, or educational disparities also occur in the prediabetes stage could help inform strategies to support health equity in preventing type 2 diabetes and its complications. We examined the prevalence of prediabetes and prediabetes awareness, with corresponding prevalence ratios according to race, ethnicity, and educational attainment.

Methods

This study was a pooled cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 to March 2020. The final sample comprised 10,262 U.S. adults who self-reported being Asian, Black, Hispanic, or White. Prediabetes was defined using hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose values. Those with prediabetes were classified as "aware" or "unaware" based on survey responses. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) to assess the relationship between race, ethnicity, and educational attainment with prediabetes and prediabetes awareness, controlling for sociodemographic, health and healthcare-related, and clinical characteristics.

Results

In fully adjusted logistic regression models, Asian, Black, and Hispanic adults had a statistically significant higher risk of prediabetes than White adults (PR:1.26 [1.18,1.35], PR:1.17 [1.08,1.25], and PR:1.10 [1.02,1.19], respectively). Adults completing less than high school and high school had a significantly higher risk of prediabetes compared to those with a college degree (PR:1.14 [1.02,1.26] and PR:1.12 [1.01,1.23], respectively). We also found that Black and Hispanic adults had higher rates of prediabetes awareness in the fully adjusted model than White adults (PR:1.27 [1.07,1.50] and PR:1.33 [1.02,1.72], respectively). The rates of prediabetes awareness were consistently lower among those with less than a high school education relative to individuals who completed college (fully-adjusted model PR:0.66 [0.47,0.92]).

Discussion

Disparities in prediabetes among racial and ethnic minority groups and adults with low educational attainment suggest challenges and opportunities for promoting health equity in high-risk groups and expanding awareness of prediabetes in the United States.

Reported recommendations to address cardiovascular risk factors differ by socio-economic status in Brazil. Results from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2019

Background

Management of cardiovascular risk factors (high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension) should start by implementing a healthy lifestyle. Whereas lifestyle recommendations are provided irrespective of the patient's socio-economic status has not been recently assessed in the Brazilian population.

Aims

To assess the preventive measures against cardiovascular risk factors according to educational level and income in the Brazilian population.

Methods

Survey data of the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS). The PNS is a nationwide household-based survey carried out by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The PNS included face-to-face interviews and collected information on lifestyle management of high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension by a healthy diet, an adequate weight, exercise, and quitting smoking. The participant's educational level and income (in multiples of the basic salary per capita) was collected.

Results

Of the 88,052 participants included, 13,151 (14.9%), 6,986 (7.9%) and 22,516 (25.6%) reported being diagnosed with high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension, respectively. Dietary recommendations were the most frequently provided (94.5%, 94.6% and 88.1% for high cholesterol diabetes, and hypertension, respectively), while recommendations to quit smoking to current smokers were the least frequently provided (74.9%, 85.8% and 81.1% for high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension, respectively). After multivariable adjustment, participants with a higher educational level or a higher income had a higher likelihood of reporting receipt lifestyle recommendations for high cholesterol or hypertension, while no associations were found for most recommendations for diabetes.

Conclusion

Better-educated, wealthier Brazilians report receiving more lifestyle recommendations regarding high cholesterol and hypertension management more frequently than lower-educated or with low-income.

Evaluation of the knowledge and practice of family physicians in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 in Iran

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence and occurrence of type 2 diabetes has made it a widespread epidemic. Being the first line of care, family doctors can play an essential role in this field. The knowledge of these doctors about how to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, and correct treatment of patients is fundamental in reducing the burden of this disease in the community. In this study, we decided to evaluate the knowledge and practice of family doctors in Shiraz-Iran and its related factors in managing Diabetes.

METHOD

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among family doctors of two primary healthcare centers, Shahadai Wal-Fajr Health Center and the Enghlab Health Center in Shiraz, Iran, from March 2021 to August 2021. A researcher-designed diabetes questionnaire consisting of 21 items and a data collection form including demographic information and other related factors was used in this study. An interviewer asked the questions from participants at their workplace and completed the questionnaires. The data were analyzed by SPSS-20 software. A linear regression test was used to investigate the factors affecting the questionnaire score. A one-way ANOVA test was used to compare questionnaire scores among multiple groups.

RESULTS

On average, the participants obtained 62.5% of the total score. The average scores for each question in the screening, the diagnosis, and the treatment sections were 0.5 ± 0.28, 0.65 ± 0.2, and 0.66 ± 0.17, respectively. Physicians' knowledge about the blood sugar threshold for diagnosing Diabetes was suboptimal, and 81.9, 47, 43 correctly mentioned the FBS, 2hrpp BS, and HbA1c threshold, respectively. Although 95% knew the first line medication but 33.6% prescribed 2nd or 3rd medication for DM treatment. Only 43% knew the goal of therapy. Sixty-three doctors (42%) have not registered any referrals for newly diagnosed uncomplicated diabetic patients, and 37.6% referred these new DM cases to an internist or endocrinologist at the first visit. Microvascular complication screening, such as testing for microalbuminuria and ophthalmologist consultation reported by 32. 89% and 8% of physicians, respectively. Years since graduation was the determining factor of the knowledge level of doctors in this study. Regarding the preferred education method, most participants selected the workshop method as the preferred training method. Virtual education was ranked as the second preferred educational method.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge and practice of general family doctors were lower than the optimal level in diabetes screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In the treatment of patients, the knowledge of most of the physicians was appropriate in the early stages of treatment, such as determining the time to start the medication and the first line of treatment, but in the follow-up and more advanced treatment, the knowledge and performance of the doctors were less than expected. They prefer to refer patients to higher levels in the healthcare system. Recently graduated physicians had better knowledge and approach to DM management. Therefore, effective periodic training should be conducted as soon as possible to address this pitfall and improve the quality of care. Workshops and virtual education were the most preferred education methods from the participants' points of view. So, it is suggested that these methods be used as the first training methods. Implementing the specialty training program for family medicine (which has been started in our country for a few years) is the best final solution. In addition, A clinical guideline should be designed for family physicians highlighting these physicians' roles in the management of Diabetes.

Evaluation of the diabetes care cascade and compliance with WHO global coverage targets in Iran based on STEPS survey 2021

This study aimed to investigate the diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes epidemiology, care cascade, and compliance with global coverage targets. We recruited the results of the nationally representative Iran STEPS Survey 2021. Diabetes and prediabetes were two main outcomes. Diabetes awareness, treatment coverage, and glycemic control were calculated for all population with diabetes to investigate the care cascade. Four global coverage targets for diabetes developed by the World Health Organization were adopted to assess the DM diagnosis and control status. Among 18,119 participants, the national prevalence of DM and prediabetes were 14.2% (95% confidence interval 13.4-14.9) and 24.8% (23.9-25.7), respectively. The prevalence of DM treatment coverage was 65.0% (62.4-67.7), while the prevalence of good (HbA1C < 7%) glycemic control was 28.0% (25.0-31.0) among all individuals with diabetes. DM diagnosis and statin use statics were close to global targets (73.3% vs 80%, and 50.1% vs 60%); however, good glycemic control and strict blood pressure control statistics, were much way behind the goals (36.7% vs 80%, and 28.5% vs 80%). A major proportion of the Iranian population are affected by DM and prediabetes, and glycemic control is poorly achieved, indicating a sub-optimal care for diabetes and comorbidities like hypertension.

The evaluation of the role of diabetes health literacy and health locus of control on quality of life among type 2 diabetes using the Path analysis

Quality of life (QOL) in patients with diabetes is affected by multiple factors, and this study aimed to determine the effect of health locus of control points (HLOC) and diabetes health literacy (DHL) on QOL in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and February 2022 among 564 people with type 2 diabetes. Patients were selected using proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected using three questionnaires: (1) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale (form C), (2) World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, and (3) Diabetes Health Literacy Scale. Data were analyzed by software's of SPSS _V22 and AMOS _V24. There was a positive and significant correlation between DHL and QOL. There was a positive and significant correlation between the subscales of internal HLOC, and doctors HLOC with QOL. According to the Path analysis results, all variables showed 58.93% of the direct effects and 41.07% of indirect effects of the final model. Numerate health literacy, informational health literacy, communicative health literacy, internal HLOC, other powerful people HLOC, chance HLOC, and doctors HLOC were able to predicted 49% variance of diabetes QOL (R2 = 0.49). The subscales of communicative health literacy, informational health literacy, internal HLOC, doctors HLOC, and chance HLOC had the greatest impact on QOL of people with diabetes. Based on the results of Path analysis, diabetes health literacy and HLOC play an effective role in QOL of diabetic. Therefore, there is a need to design and implement programs to improve the health literacy of patients as well as HLOC to improve QOL of patients.

Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of type-2 diabetes screening in pharmacies in Iran

Background and purpose

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of screening programs in decreasing the costs and disutility of type-2 diabetes and related complications. As there is a growth in the incidence of type-2 diabetes amongst the Iranian population, the cost-effectiveness of performing type-2 diabetes screening tests in community pharmacies of Iran was evaluated in this study from the payer's perspective. The target population consisted of two hypothetical cohorts of 1000 people 40 years of age without a prior diagnosis of diabetes, for the intervention (screening test) and no-screening groups.

Experimental approach

A Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a type-2 diabetes screening test in community pharmacies in Iran. A 30-year time horizon was considered in the model. Three screening programs with 5-year intervals were considered for the intervention group. The evaluated outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for cost-utility-analysis and life-years-gained (LYG) for cost-effectiveness-analysis. To examine the robustness of the results, one-way and probabilistic-sensitivity analyses were applied to the model.

Findings/Results

The screening test represented both more effects and higher costs. The incremental effects in the base-case scenario (no-discounting) were estimated to be 0.017 and 0.0004 (approximately 0) for QALYs and LYG, respectively. The incremental cost was estimated to be 2.87 USD/patient. The estimated incremental-cost-effectiveness ratio was 164.77 USD/QALY.

Conclusion and implications

This study indicated that screening for type-2 diabetes in community pharmacies of Iran could be considered highly cost-effective, as it meets the WHO criteria of the annual GDP per capita ($2757 in 2020).

Predicting role of illness perception in treatment self-regulation among patients with type 2 diabetes

Background and Objective

Impaired self-regulation negatively impacts self-efficacy, self-management, blood sugar control, and quality of life among patients with diabetes. Hence, identifying the predictors of self-regulation is a necessity for healthcare providers. The current study aimed to determine the predictive role of illness perception in treatment self-regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The current study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 200 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were referred to the only specialized clinic for endocrinology and diabetes affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2019-2020, were recruited through a convenience sampling method. For data collection, the brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire were used. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS v21 using a multivariable regression model.

Results

Mean and standard deviation scores of self-regulation and illness perception were 69.11 ± 17.61 and 36.21 ± 7.05, respectively. Results of the multivariate regression model revealed the significant correlations of self-regulation with illness perception, age, cardiovascular complications, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic foot ulcers.

Conclusions

In this study, participants presented a moderate level of self-regulation. The results also revealed that illness perception could be a predictor of improving patients' self-regulation. Therefore, providing infrastructure programs such as continuous education and appropriate care programs for diabetic patients to improve their illness perception can effectively improve their self-regulation behaviors.