[Hospital care of insulin-treated diabetes in African immigrants, in France].

Eighty insulin treated diabetics from North or West Africa were interviewed and compared to 80 French controls matched for sex, age and duration of insulin-therapy. Modalities and access to medical care in a specialized clinic were studied. African people were predominantly blue collar workers (49%) and French people employees (70%). The percentage of unemployed people was similar. Africans performed blood glucose self testing less frequently (35.5% vs 60.5%). Only 40% (vs 75%) participated in specific educational activities because 40% of the migrants did not read French. Despite insulin treatment being similar, metabolic control was worse among migrants (HbA1: 10.5 +/- 2.4 vs 9.3% +/- 1.9; p less than 0.01). In migrants, there was an increased prevalence of degenerative complications which did not reach statistical significance. Three parameters may explain these differences: less strict follow-up, poorer knowledge, lower socioeconomic status.