Data were retrospectively reviewed from 10,919 Waikato Primary Health registered patients (87% had type 2 diabetes and 8% had type 1 diabetes) who had ≥1 review in the “Get Checked” free annual diabetes review programme between 1st July 2000 and 30th June 2006. During 2005/06, 57% of the estimated 10,604 diabetes patients utilised the free check. Within 1.5 years after initial review, 35% had not returned for a second review. Retained patients attended subsequent reviews more regularly. Those who attended a second review returned much earlier for the third review, 75% within 1.5 years after second review. The time to return for a second review was significantly prolonged in Mäori and Asians compared with Europeans (median 1.4 years vs 1.1 years). Patients aged <40 years returned for a second review later (1.8 years) than ≥65-year-olds (1.1 years). Patients less likely to return for a second review were those aged <40 years (vs ≥65 years), those of Mäori or Asian ethnicity (vs Europeans) and those with type 1 diabetes (vs type 2).
