Type 2 Diabetes. Is it possible to achieve the glycemic goal in real life?

Introduction: Achieving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes(T2D) prevents or delays chronic complications and extends survival. Aim: to analyze metabolic control goals in adults with T2DM, treated by specialists in their usual practice in Argentina, and their relationship with adherence to prescribed medications, different treatment strategies, time of diagnosis, quality of life variables and presence of chronic complications of T2DM. Methods: cross-sectional design; multicenter study conducted in 28 centers in Argentina during 2018. The sample was selected randomly and systematically. Morisky-Green-Levine and WHO-5 adherence questionnaire for quality of life was applied. History of disease and laboratory markers were analyzed. Results: of 1329 DMT2 cases included, 60.2% achieved the goal. Regarding pharmacological treatment in diabetes: 5.1% were without medication, 47.5% with 1 drug, 34.5% with 2, 12.9% with 3 or more; in turn, with insulin (alone or combined) 38.1%. According to the questionnaire, 68.4% adhered to treatment and 72.6% reached A1C <7%. Among the non-adherents, 27.4% reached the goal. Achieving the glycemic goal was associated with age >= 65 years (p < 0.0001), higher adherence score (p < 0.0001), private health insurance (p < 0.0001), and physical activity (p < 0.02). The worst metabolic control was associated with time of DMT2 diagnosis (p<0.0001), insulin therapy (p < 0.0001) and symptoms of depression (p < 0.002) Conclusions: The youngest and most vulnerable presented lower values for adherence; intervening and intensifying the treatment earlier in them would allow better results.