Background/Aim: Greece has experienced a large wave of immigration from Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Bangladeshi immigrants with diabetes have poorer preventive follow-up and diabetes self-care compared to Greek patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 166 patients from Bangladesh and 123 patients from Greece were recruited. Interviews were conducted, a physical examination followed and blood and urine samples were collected. Results: Patients from Bangladesh had worse glycemic control (A1C=7.74±1.6 vs. 7.55±1.7%; p=0.3), and lower high-density lipoprotein levels (33.99±9.4 vs. 44.05±10.43 mg/dl; p=0.037). They were less likely to regularly take their medication for diabetes mellitus, or to follow dietary recommendations. However, fewer of them smoked, and had a significantly lower body mass index than Greek patients. Conclusion: Bangladeshi immigrants are less likely to engage self-care behaviors and have worse glycemic control and less access to medication, laboratory test and healthcare Units. © 2015, International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Greek National Health System Self-management behavior diabetes Bangladeshi immigrants

blood sampling antidiabetic agent Greek (people) Blood Glucose immigrant insulin dependent diabetes mellitus non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus follow up human middle aged population group diabetes mellitus Population Groups controlled study Biomarkers hemoglobin A1c interview laboratory test insulin Humans migrant glycemic control male Emigrants and Immigrants female diabetic diet blood glucose monitoring risk factor Risk Factors Greece cholesterol Article blood glucose blood level major clinical study adult biological marker high density lipoprotein triacylglycerol glucose Bangladeshi Bangladesh Urinalysis Physical Examination Self Care low density lipoprotein