The degree of reliability of data obtained using a computer registry of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The main problem in analysis of the register of diabetes mellitus is evaluation of the reliability of data and the probability of extrapolating the results to a population of patients in the studied region. Our task was to assess the efficacy of diagnostic methods used in a region. Study of the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy by referent tests revealed poor sensitivity of methods for diagnosis of these complications in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in the Mytischi region; hence, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy might be higher than recorded in IDDM register.

Analysis confirmed the usefulness of active detection of early stages of complicated IDDM by screening (examination of the fundus oculi, detection of microalbuminuria and vibration sensitivity) for reflecting the true incidence of complications and timely therapy. Detection of numerous patients with IDDM at the phase of diabetes decompensation necessitates revision of preventive and therapeutic measures. High incidence of hypoglycemic reactions among IDDM patients necessitates their more active prevention, specifically, training IDDM patients to practice automonitoring methods.