Type 2 Diabetes in Germany: Prevalence and Healthcare, Results from a Delphi Survey

Background: Deviating study results have caused a lack of clarity as to the number of type 2 diabetes sufferers in Germany as well as quality of care and patient outcomes. The aim of this contribution was to reach an expert consensus towards generating reliable and valid statistics for Germany. Methods: Relevant study results were searched and processed after selecting suitable indicators. One validated result was determined for each indicator using an online Delphi survey, in which thirty diabetes experts from every field of care participated., Results: This study confirms shortfalls in diabetes care in Germany. According to the Delphi survey, approximately 6.7 of 9.3 million diabetes sufferers in Germany are known; 41 % undergo HbA(1c) testing at least three times a year, a third showing HbA(1c), targets of less than 6.5%, 62% achieving values of <= 7.5%, and 32% reaching blood pressure levels <140/80 mmHg with LDL cholesterol values <100 mg/dl. 60% suffer from diabetes-related complications, which are more often macrovascular than microvascular in nature. Conclusion: These validated results show a reduction in diabetes care, and may provide ammunition in discussions with decision makers in the political and health-care arena towards establishing demandoriented diabetes management and care in Germany.