There are a total of about 800,000 Austrians who suffer from diabetes. A new study has now shown that Austrians have a higher risk of progressive chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease compared to Hungary, the Netherlands and Scotland. According to this, the treatment of those affected is the worst compared to other countries.
A few days ago, the scientific study “Kidney Blood Pressure Research” by Stefanie Thönie from the University Clinic of Internal Medicine in Innsbruck (nephrology and high blood pressure) was published. The research should provide insight into the quality of medical care for diabetics.
kidney disease and cardiovascular disease
The mean age of the subjects was 65 years, most of the patients had diabetes for about eight years at the start of the study. The scientists focused in particular on the frequency of occurrence or significant worsening of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Both are the most dangerous and common long-term complications of diabetes
The files of 3131 patients with type 2 diabetes (20 percent from Austria, 39 percent from Hungary, 27 percent from the Netherlands and 14 percent from Scotland) were used and followed for five years.
40 percent of affected patients
“Forty percent of people with type 2 diabetes develop diabetic nephropathy, a negative microvascular complication that usually becomes apparent 10 to 20 years after the onset of the disease and is often present at the time the diabetes is diagnosed,” they wrote to Scientist.
Most common in Austria
After an average observation period, Austria performed poorly in terms of renal complications and cardiovascular disease: the frequency of occurrence of renal complications was a factor of 21.1 per 1000 patient-years. Austria was significantly higher (23.3 per 1000 patient years).
Blood pressure values turned out to be the most important risk factor for kidney damage in the scientific study. This also leads to an increased risk of death due to acute cardiovascular disease. In terms of all-cause mortality (13 deaths per 1000 patient-years for all countries/regions compared), Austria also performed the worst.
Treatment not optimal in comparison
The evaluation shows that care for Austrian diabetics is, on average, suboptimal: for example, patients were least likely to receive low-dose acetylsalicylic acid to prevent heart attacks and strokes and cholesterol-lowering drugs least often compared to the other countries. 80 percent of Hungarian diabetics received blood pressure medication from their doctor, which also protects the kidneys and prevents heart failure. In Austria this was only 61 percent of the study participants.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
