Risk factor control among Black and White adults with diabetes onset in older adulthood: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether attainment of clinical and lifestyle targets varied by race and sex among adults with diabetes onset in older adulthood.This study included 1420 black and white adults from the REGARDS study without diabetes at baseline (2003–07) but with diabetes onset at the follow-up exam (2013–16). Attainment of clinical targets (A1c <8%; blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg; and statin use) and lifestyle targets (not smoking; physical activity≥ 4 times/week; and moderate/no alcohol use) was assessed at the follow-up exam. Modified Poisson regression was used to obtain prevalence ratios (PR) for meeting clinical and lifestyle targets stratified by race and sex, separately.The mean age was 71.5 years, 53.6% were female, and 46.1% were black. The majority were aware of their diabetes status (85.7%) and used oral or injectable hypoglycemic medications (64.8%). Overall, 39.4% met all 3 clinical targets and 18.8% met all 3 lifestyle targets. Meeting A1c and blood pressure targets were similar by race and sex. Statin use was more prevalent for men than women among white adults (PR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.99–1.29) and black adults (PR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.06–1.43). For lifestyle factors, the non-smoking prevalence was similar by race and sex, while white men were more likely than white women to be physically active.Although the attainment of each clinical and lifestyle target separately was generally high among adults with diabetes onset in older adulthood, race and sex differences were apparent. Comprehensive management of clinical and lifestyle factors in people with diabetes remains suboptimal.