Ryan C. Young, BA; David O. Hodge, MS; Thomas J. Liesegang, MD; et al.
free access
Arch Ophthalmol. 2010;128(9):1178-1183. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2010.187
Olivia S. Huang, BSc(Med); Ecosse L. Lamoureux, PhD; Wan Ting Tay, BSc; et al.
free access
Arch Ophthalmol. 2010;128(9):1185-1190. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2010.168
ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of and factors associated with suboptimal glycemic and blood pressure (BP) control in a Malay population with diabetes mellitus in Singapore.MethodsThe Singapore Malay Eye Study was a population-based survey of 3280 Malay individuals (78.7% response rate) aged 40 to 80 years. Diabetes was defined as a nonfasting glucose level of 200 mg/dL or greater, use of diabetic medication, or physician diagnosis. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was graded from retinal photographs using the modified Airlie House classification. Optimal control was defined as a hemoglobin A1c level of less than 7% and BP of 130/80 mm Hg or lower.ResultsIn participants with diabetes (n = 768), only 26.9% had optimal glycemic and 13.4% optimal BP control, respectively. In those with DR (n = 272), rates of optimal glycemic and BP control were even lower (17.4% and 10.3%, respectively). After adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and other factors, compared with participants with optimal glycemic control, those with suboptimal control were younger (P = .005), more likely to be unaware of their diabetes status (P < .001), and taking medication for diabetes (P < .001) and had higher levels of total cholesterol (P = .009) and DR (P < .001). After adjusting for similar risk factors, compared with participants with optimal BP control, those with suboptimal BP control were older (P = .006) and more likely to have higher total cholesterol levels (P = .002), BMIs (P = .04), and DR (P = .02).ConclusionsIn this Asian Malay population with diabetes, more than three-quarters had poor glycemic and BP control. Strategies to improve awareness and implement evidence-based guidelines are needed to reduce the effect and burden of diabetic complications in Asia.Published online July 12, 2010. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2010.168