To describe the quality of diabetes care at the primary care level using the risk factors HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

Descriptive cohort study.

Using data collected electronically from 124 Dutch general practitioners from the province of Groningen (north Netherlands), we assessed the medication treatment level in relation to the level of control for HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol (adequate, moderate or inadequate control). Furthermore, we assessed treatment adjustments between 2004 and 2007 in insufficiently controlled patients (HbA1c value, systolic blood pressure or LDL cholesterol concentration too high).

Data were available for 9646 patients in 2007. The averages for HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol were 6.9%, 142 mmHg and 2.3 mmol/l, respectively. Of the patients with an HbA1c > 8.5%, 16% were treated with one oral drug and 50% used insulin. In 27% of these patients, the treatment was subsequently modified. Between 2004 and 2007, a slight decrease in average HbA1c was observed, but no changes in treatment level. Systolic blood pressure was ≥ 140 mmHg in 56% of the patients, 19% of whom were not using antihypertensive drugs. Between 2004 and 2007 the average systolic blood pressure decreased by 6 mmHg, whereas the treatment level scarcely increased. Of the 39% of patients whose LDL cholesterol level was ≥ 2.5 mmol/l, 49% did not use statins. In 2004 there was an increase in the percentage of patients using statins.

The decreasing population averages of HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol values suggest an improvement in the quality of care. However, the relatively few therapy modifications observed in insufficiently controlled patients indicates that there is still room for improvement.