Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The prison environment is a space that involves some restrictions. However, diabetic patients require special attention. The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of this area on the glycemic control and the metabolic profile.

Patients and method: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on a day of health campaign in a penitentiary center, in the sector for men, and concerned the 62 known diabetic patients of the institution.

Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 12% and he was diagnosed in penitentiary in 3 cases. The average age was 42.3 years and type 2 diabetes was found in 93.1% of cases. The average duration of diabetes was 6.15 years, 76.4% of patients were on oral treatment. Mean HbA1c was 8.2%. The average blood glucose on examination was 1.92 g/l and waist circumference was pathological in 32% of cases. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were associated in 26% of the cases. Patients complied with the rules of hygiene and diet (physical activity and diet) in 36% of cases.

Discussion: In prison, the health care system deals with a temporarily or chronically vulnerable population. In our study, diabetes was more common than in the general population. The exclusive male sex is a cardiovascular risk factor in its own right. The detention environment presupposes a physical activity that is often limited and an imposed diet. However, the institution tries to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Also, access to care and treatment is available and provided by the penitentiary pharmacy.