Abstract
BackgroundTo ensure high quality standards in chronic care of type 2 diabetes, it is paramount to ensure regular measurement of clinical risk factors. For prevention of diabetic kidney disease, testing for albuminuria and kidney function is vital. The majority of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Denmark are treated in general practice, and given the recent development of kidney-protective treatments, a renewed focus on renal risk factors is important. ObjectiveTo assess the frequency of albuminuria and kidney function testing in general practice in Denmark and describe developments over the last decade. The proportion of patients with the recommended annual measurements of albuminuria and kidney function was the primary variable. MethodsWe used data from subjects with type 2 diabetes in three cross-sectional general practice studies from 2009 to 2017. ResultsData from 5592 individuals were available. Almost all subjects (96–99%) in the studies had annual measurement of kidney function performed. During the combined observation period there was a clear increase in the proportion of subjects that had albuminuria measured, from 57.2% to 68.0% to 82.8%. ConclusionThe regular assessment of renal risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes attending primary care in Denmark has seemingly improved over the last decade. This provides the required base for renal risk assessment and appropriate therapy selection.
Highlights
In Denmark, as in many western European countries, the majority of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are cared for in general practice
In the third study [13], the fraction of patients unscreened for albuminuria did not differ between the groups with T2D versus T2D and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (17.3 vs. 17.1%, respectively)
We found a marked increase in the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care in Denmark with annual albuminuria measurement in three cross-sectional studies spanning 8 years
Summary
In Denmark, as in many western European countries, the majority of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are cared for in general practice. To ensure high quality standards in chronic care of type 2 diabetes, it is paramount to ensure regular measurement of clinical risk factors. The majority of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Denmark are treated in general practice, and given the recent development of kidney-protective treatments, a renewed focus on renal risk factors is important. Objective: To assess the frequency of albuminuria and kidney function testing in general practice in Denmark and describe developments over the last decade. Conclusion: The regular assessment of renal risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes attending primary care in Denmark has seemingly improved over the last decade. This provides the required base for renal risk assessment and appropriate therapy selection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
