INTRODUCTION: We studied the implementation of recommended yearly control visits, quality of care and characteristics and co-morbidities of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those with both conditions in a sample of Danish general practices.

METHODS: This was a retrospective audit of patient records from 2017 in 164 general practices in Denmark. Up to 15 patients were randomly selected in each practice for assessment of relevant parameters and quality of care, producing a total of 820 patients with COPD, 823 patients with T2DM and 709 patients with both COPD and T2DM.

RESULTS: Formalised annual control visits were completed in 72% of the patients with T2DM and 48% of the patients with COPD. Approximately 13% of the patients were followed by a specialist. Patients with both diseases had the highest number of healthcare contacts but the lowest fulfilment of annual control visits. The standard of care was fair, although assessment of the disease characteristics of COPD was less complete in patients with both conditions. Cardiovascular diseases including heart failure were significantly more common in patients with both conditions (42%) than in those with COPD only (29%) or T2DM only (27%).

CONCLUSIONS: In 2017, the implementation of annual control visits for COPD was less complete than for T2DM. Patients with both diseases had the highest prevalence of cardiovascular disease and use of health resources, suggesting that this group needs additional attention.