Impact of migration on diabetes burden: audit in the metropolitan area of Bologna, Italy

• DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02157-6
• Publication Date: 2023-07-20T19:02:21Z
• Authors: G. Marchesini; D. Gibertoni; C. Giansante; V. Perlangeli; R. Grilli; L. Scudeller; C. Descovich; P. Pandolfi

Abstract Purpose To investigate the impact of diabetes in immigrants on Italian healthcare system, as well their compliance with standard protocols control and treatment. Methods The prevalence living metropolitan area Bologna (about 1 million inhabitants) 2019 was investigated using a database containing all subjects active follow-up for diabetes, based antidiabetic drug use, disease-specific copayment exemption, ICD-9 codes, continuous care units. Country origin derived from fiscal code. Results overall (n = 53,941; 51.8% males, median age 64) 6.1% both Italy-born immigrant cohorts. Immigrant 12.4%, moderately higher than that observed total population (12.2%). Diabetes risk increased whole cohort (odds ratio (OR) 1.74; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.69–1.79). Among cases incident proportion (median age, 49 vs. 65 individuals) progressively 11.7% to 26.5% 2011 (males, 8.9–21.0%; females, 14.9–32.8%) groups, particularly young adults, but also older subjects. Metabolic lower immigrants, adherence shared diagnostic therapeutic protocols, without systematic differences much use drugs comorbid conditions. Conclusions is rapidly changing. Quality improvement initiatives are needed reduce burden universalistic health system generated by rapidly-growing high-risk population.