The aim of the study was to assess the range and quality of diabetic care in the Lublin Province in the opinion of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The study was conducted from April to May 2004 in 361 patients with diabetes in selected primary care centres, diabetic clinics and hospital wards. We evaluated the range and quality of diabetic care with a previously prepared questionnaire concerning demographic and social variables, the course of diabetes and its treatment, and the provided health services.

The patients aged from 19 to 96 years including 23.9% with type 1 diabetes, 74.7% with type 2, and 1.4% with other type of diabetes. 97% of type 1 and 67% of type 2 diabetic patients where treated by specialists (p<0.01). A blood pressure measurement was performed on each visit in 83% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 89% of type 2 (p=0.02), a body mass measurement – respectively in a 78% and 63% (p=0.02). Foot check-up was performed systematically in 18% and 15% of patients. Glycosylated hemoglobin was systematically tested in 37% of type 1 and 26% of type 2 diabetic patients (p<0.01), cholesterol was tested in ca. 17% of patients in both groups. 82% of patients with type 1 and 63% of type 2 patients (p<0.01) were examinated by an ophthalmologist at least once a year, 36% and 29% - by a neurologist. 48% of the studied subjects have considered an access to specialist clinics as difficult because of a long time they had to wait for a visit. 57.7% of patients with type 1 and 33.8% of type 2 patients took part in courses for diabetic patients.

The analysis of quality of diabetic care shows a high degree of correspondence with standards, but the foot check up was often omitted. The research revealed low participation of type 2 diabetic patients in educational courses. To improve the diabetic care system, the restructuring of the primary care-specialist care system (‘shared care’) and an intensive education seem to be necessary.