Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare demographic and metabolic parameters of newly diagnosed patients presenting with type 2 diabetes over 10 years. From postcode analyses we estimate that >90% of patients with new onset type 2 diabetes are referred to a structured nurse-led education programme and are seen within one week of the diagnosis. Demographic and clinical data have been recorded since 1994. Since 1994, there has been a 2.5-fold increase in the number of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in our area. At diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) has risen from 28.5 to 31.1kg/m2 (p<0.05) associated with a fall in HbA1c levels from 10.4% to 8.1% (p<0.0001) at presentation. There appears also to have been a gender difference with men presenting on average two years younger (mean difference 2.3 [95% CI 1.6-2.9] years, p<0.001) and with a lower BMI (-1.6 [95% CI 1.3-2.0] kg/m2, p<0.001). It was concluded that over the past 10 years there has been an increase in the number of patients presenting with new onset type 2 diabetes in our area. The lower HbA1c at diagnosis probably reflects earlier detection and awareness of the condition. There do appear to be gender differences with more men presenting earlier and with a lower BMI.