Diabetes Control among Vietnamese Patients in Ho Chi Minh City: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

The objective of this study was to assess the extent of diabetic control and its associated factors among Vietnamese patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The study was conducted among 652 outpatients who were recruited at a public general hospital (People Hospital 115) and a private clinic (Medic Center) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Median age of participants was 57 years from People Hospital 115, and 60 years for participants from Medic Center. Thirty-nine percent of patients at People Hospital 115 and 33% of patients at Medic Center had Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) greater than 8%. However, 55% and 45% of these patients from each facility reported they are in good control. There was a high percentage of missing data regarding possible complications at both sites. It was also observed a high proportion of patients with a discrepancy between perception and actual control of diabetic condition. Many of these patients showed less distress and had a high self-rating regarding their adherence to a lifestyle regimen. Furthermore, some of these patients were smokers and had a history of atherosclerotic disease. Overall, Vietnamese diabetic patients in this study exhibited poor plasma glucose control. Physician education designed to improve monitoring of glucose levels and diabetic complications, and patient education aimed at raising awareness about actual diabetic control are indicated in this population.