HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol control in adults with diabetes: A report card for Kuwait

To assess the level of glycemic, blood pressure, and cholesterol control (the 'ABCs') nationally amongst adults with diabetes living in Kuwait.

Using data from two national cross-sectional surveys, the levels of risk factor control were assessed in 1,801 adults with diabetes, aged 18-82 years. Glycemic control was defined as HbA1c < 7%, blood pressure control as systolic and diastolic blood pressures of <140/90 mmHg, and non-HDL cholesterol control as <3.4 mmol/L.

The percentage of adults with diabetes achieving control was 39.2% (95% CI, 37.0-41.5) for glycemia, 58.4% (95% CI, 56.0-60.7) for blood pressure, and 28.3% (95% CI, 26.3-30.4) for non-HDL cholesterol. The percentage of adults who were non-smokers was 77.6% (95%, CI 75.6-79.4). The percentage of adults with diabetes achieving control on all three risk factors was 7.4% (95% CI, 6.3-8.8), and only 5.8% (95% CI, 4.8-7.0) achieved ABC control and were nonsmokers. ABC control was 30% higher in women compared with men. Non-Kuwaitis were almost twice as likely to have uncontrolled ABC factors compared with Kuwaitis.

Only 1 in 13 people with diabetes in Kuwait achieved good control of glycemia, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Only 2 in 5 achieved glycemic control, 6 in 10 blood pressure control, and 2 in 7 cholesterol control. A national diabetes quality improvement program is urgently needed to improve the quality of care and to prevent long-term complications.