In this cross-sectional study, the aims were to investigate the association of the socioeconomic status and gender on the prevalence of type 1 and 2 diabetes, glycaemic control, cardiovascular risk factors plus the complications of diabetes in a population-based analysis in the county of Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland.

Quality Outcome Framework data was obtained from General Practices in Ayrshire and Arran, Scotland (n=15,351 patients).

In type 1 diabetes, there was an increasing linear trend in HbA_1c across deprivation levels (P<0.01). In type 1 diabetes, obesity in women (P<0.01) and increased non-fasting triglyceride levels in both men and women were associated with deprivation (P<0.05). In type 2 diabetes, there was a significant prevalence trend with deprivation for women (P<0.01) but not with glycaemic control (P=0.12). Smoking, ischaemic heart disease and neuropathy (P<0.01) were all associated with increasing deprivation with gender differences. In type 2 diabetes, reduced HDL cholesterol (P<0.01 both genders), and percentage of people on lipid lowering therapy (men P<0.05; women P<0.01) were associated with deprivation. Smoking, ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy plus foot ulcers (P<0.05) were all associated with increasing deprivation with gender differences.

Socioeconomic status and gender are associated with changes in glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors plus complication development in both type 1 and 2 diabetes. The mechanisms are unclear but follow-up of these patients should allow greater understanding.