Problems experienced in a diabetic clinic for Blacks

One hundred and seventy Black diabetic patients who regularly attend the Baragwanath Diabetic Clinic were studied. Just over 50% of patients suffered from hypertension, and 10% had angina pectoris. Retinopathy was present in 25% of the patients. The incidence of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia was much lower than has previously been found among White diabetic patients in Johannesburg. Attention is drawn to the lack of adequate health education given to Black diabetic patients and also to the reliance on oral hypoglycaemic agents in preference to dietary therapy. It is suggested that there is a need for health educators from the patient's own ethnic group if these problems are to be overcome.