[Type 2 diabetes and universal health care for low-income groups: a case-control study]

In 2007 in France, type 2 diabetes involved 2.5 million people, and 4.5 million patients received free healthcare coverage under the universal healthcare coverage program (CMU) for low-income households. An optimal glycemic control and adequate diabetes monitoring can reduce the incidence of complications. The objective of this study was to compare the diabetes care of low-income patients (as defined by CMU coverage) with the rest of the population.

A retrospective case-control study (non-CMU and CMU) over a one-year period of glycemic control for both populations through private laboratory data (number and values of HbA1c) and of individuals monitoring through data from the regional health insurance public institute.

Regarding glycemic control, 154 patients were included. The number of annual HbA1c tests was similar between CMU and non-CMU patients. The mean HbA1c value was higher for CMU patients (8.7% versus 8%; P<0.01). Regarding monitoring, 1254 patients were included. Over a one-year period, the number of HbA1c tests, lipid profile tests, serum creatinine measures and cardiology consultations were similar across groups. However, CMU patients benefited from less microalbuminuria testing (P<0.001), ophthalmologic monitoring visits (P<0.01), endocrinology consultations (P<0.01), and from more general physician consultations (P<0.001).

Receiving CMU health coverage was associated with a poorer glycemic control and lesser specialized monitoring than that was observed in control patients. Across the population, follow-up recommendations are far from being implemented satisfactorily.