How Effective is a Simple Pre-Diabetes Screen for Clinical Practice?

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a global problem. According to WHO (2014) the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 9% among adults aged 18+ years. In 2012, an estimated 1.5 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes. Of note, more than 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. It is predicted that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030. Of concern is the vast majority of people living with pre diabetes are unaware they have it. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, an estimated 15% to 30% of people with pre diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Simple screening methods may identify risk and facilitate conversations with patients to identify specific barriers to making healthy lifestyle choices to decrease risk for diabetes. Purpose of the study: To examine the use of the CDC 7 item Pre-Diabetes Screening Test (PST) to identify “at risk” patients and their response to lifestyle education. Methods: A cross-sectional design with purposive sampling of overweight men and women attending a weight loss clinic located in Southern California. Using venipuncture, A1C was examined when patients were identified high risk based on the Pre Diabetes Screening Test. Follow up consultation was provided and data were collected at four months. Results: All participants (N=70) screened “high risk” PST >9,70.5% (49) were pre diabetic based on A1C levels. At 4 months follow-up findings indicated patient weight changes of 6-30 pounds, reductions in A1C levels, and increased physical activity. Significance: Realizing the predictability of simple screening abilities can help reinforce the ease in assessing, increase awareness of prediabetes risk in adults, and start a conversation for healthy behaviors.