Use of diabetes preventive care and complications risk in two African-American communities

Abstract

Background: We examined levels of diabetes preventive care services and glycemic and lipid control among African Americans with diabetes in two North Carolina communities. Methods: Cross-sectional, population-based study of 625 African-American adults with diagnosed diabetes. Participants had a household interview to determine receipt of preventive care services including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), blood pressure, lipid, foot, dilated eye, and dental examinations; diabetes education; and health promotion counseling. A total of 383 gave blood samples to determine HbA 1c and lipid values. Results: Annual dilated eye, foot, and lipid examinations were reported by 70% to 80% of the population, but only 46% reported HbA 1c tests. Rates of regular physical activity (31%) and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose (40%) were low. Sixty percent of the population had an HbA 1c level >8% and one fourth had an HbA 1c level >10%. Half of the population had a low-density lipoprotein value >130 mg/dL. Lack of insurance was the most consistent correlate of inadequate care (odds ratio [OR]=2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3–3.9), having HbA 1c >9.5% (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.1–4.2), and LDL levels >130 mg/dL (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.0–4.5). Conclusions: Levels of diabetes preventive care services were comparable to U.S. estimates, but glycemic and lipid control and levels of self-management behaviors were poor. These findings indicate a need to understand barriers to achieving and implementing good glycemic and lipid control among African Americans with diabetes.