Features of the risk profile of patients with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease in a primary care centre in Barcelona (Spain)

Background: We compared the clinical burden of patients with type 2 diabetes (DM), cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (CVDM), and cardiovascular disease without type 2 diabetes (CVnoDM) who are currently attending a primary health care centre in Barcelona. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 2168 patients: 855 with CVnoDM, 301 with CVDM and 1012 with DM. Metabolic control, pharmacological therapy, comorbidity and death rate within one year were compared between groups. Results: DM patients were younger, more obese and less sedentary than the others. Only 11% of all patients were smokers. Blood pressure (BP) readings were less than 135/75 mmHg in all groups. Total and LDL cholesterol were the lowest in CVDM. HbA1c levels were similar in CVDM and DM. DM received fewer flu vaccinations compared to the others. CVnoDM and CVDM had a higher proportion on antiplatelet therapy than DM. Comorbidity (assessed through the Charlson Index) reached its highest level in CVDM and its lowest level in CVnoDM. No significant differences in death rates were found. Conclusions: In the Mediterranean area, everyday practice in primary care shows that, although there is similar metabolic control, there is no evidence of a lower clinical burden in patients with diabetes as compared to patients with cardiovascular disease. (C) 2012 Elsevier Espana, S.L. and SEA. All rights reserved.