Metabolic control in diabetic immigrants

Objective: To assess the degree of metabolic control and the presence of type 2 diabetes complications in diabetic immigrants. Methods: Cross-sectional case-control observational study, matched by age and sex. Cases: Hindustani diabetic immigrants (n= 116) and non-hindustani (n= 113). Controls: native diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes (n= 229). The relation male/female was 6.7, 0.8 y 2, respectively. Metabolic control and presence of chronic complications were assessed. Results: Compared to native diabetics, immigrant diabetics had a lower average age (51.9 vs. 60.7 years), with longer diabetes duration (5.5 vs. 4.4 years). Hindustani immigrants presented statistically significant higher HbA1c figures (8 vs. 7.4%). In general, diabetic immigrants presented a better lipid profile (LDL 120.4 vs. 146 and HDL 46.3 vs. 42.5 mg/dL) and better blood pressure figures (135/79 vs. 141/82 mmHg) than native diabetics (p <0.001). As well, immigrants had lower BMI (27.5 vs. 29.3). Considering age-adjusted complications, immigrant diabetics had fewer neuropathy than native (OR= 0.22; IC: 0.11-0.54) and considering non-Hindustani diabetics, fewer coronary heart disease (OR= 0.36; IC: 0.14-0.88). Conclusions: Immigrant diabetics have a different metabolic risk profile compared to native diabetics, with poor glycaemic control, especially among Hindustani immigrants.