The Prevalence of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes across the Middle East and Africa (PACT-MEA) study compared cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and 2021 ESC guidelines adherence between UAE and broader MEA region participants for enhanced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). A survey of 385 physicians explored clinical decision-making factors. Chart reviews of 3726 participants classified ASCVD risk as per 2021 ESC guidelines and compared T2D target achievement in primary and secondary care centers. The survey highlighted factors influencing T2D management decisions, with most adhering to international guidelines. Among 542 UAE participants, 62.7 % were at high and 37.1 % at very high risk for ASCVD. Target HbA1c was achieved 45 % regionally vs. 37 % in UAE, BP by 41 % vs. 30 %, LDL by 36 % vs. 30 %, BMI <25 kg/m2 by 20 % vs. 15 %, SGLT2is use by 63 % vs. 37 % and GLP-1Ras use by 22 % vs. 13 %, respectively. No participants met all ESC-recommended targets for T2D. Physicians followed international guidelines, considering patient history, drug efficacy, and HbA1c levels for diabetes and ASCVD risks. In UAE, <50 % of at-risk individuals with T2D met ESC targets. Cardioprotective medication use was higher in UAE.
Read full abstract