Epidemiologic and clinical features of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care facilities (Sousse, Tunisie)

As a result of epidemiologic transition, diabetes mellitus became a major public health problem in Tunisia. We tried to determine the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary health care units in Sousse (Tunisia). It was a cross sectional study about a stratified sample of 404 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients followed in primary care offices in Sousse in 2003. Average age was 60 + 10.9 years and sex-ratio was 0.5. Hypertension and obesity were found in respectively 71.3% and 37.6%. Diabetic neuropathy was the most frequent degenerative complication (41.1%) followed by diabetic retinopathy (18.3%). Thus, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, followed in primary care units show a high cardiovascular risk with serious and frequent complications. That's why, the national care program of type diabetes mellitus, in primary health care should take in consideration, in its guidelines, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these patients.     

Audit de l’équilibre glycémique de patients diabétiques sous analogues de l’insuline : à propos de 2915 assurés de la CNAM (Tunisie)

Background: Insulin analogues are increasingly prescribed in Tunisia. These molecules, covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) in Tunisia under certain conditions, have an important and constantly increasing cost. Aim: To audit the diabetes control among insured in the Northern district of the CNAM (Tunisia), treated with insulin analogues in 2019 and to assess factors associated with good glycemic control. Methods: Retrospective observational study including patients with diabetes who applied for renewal of insulin analogues between March and April 2019 in the northern district of the CNAM. Results: Our study included 2915 diabetic insured. The sex ratio was 1.08. The mean age was 56.5 ±18.56 years. More than half of the diabetic insured were followed by a specialist physician (44% by endocrinologists, 7% by internists, 6% by nutritionists and 4% by other specialists). The average duration of treatment with insulin analogues was 5 years ± 1.41. Almost three quarters (74%) of the diabetic insured were type 2 diabetics. The mean daily dose of rapid-acting, short-acting and premixed insulin analogues were 30±15.49 IU/d, 38±18.36 IU/d and 65±19.38 IU/d respectively. HbA1c targets were achieved in 8% of the diabetic insured. In univariate analysis, the variables significantly associated with diabetes balance were follow-up by a physician specializing in endocrinology (OR=3.14, 95% CI [0.98-10.08]), internal medicine (OR=5.06, 95% CI [1.49-17.21]) or nutrition (OR=2.06, 95% CI [0.54-7.77]), type 1 diabetes (OR=1.67, 95% CI [1.26-2.22]) and basal insulin therapy regimen (OR=1.88, 95% CI [1.39-2.54]). In multivariate analysis, the independent and significant factors associated with glycemic control were type 1 diabetes (ORa=1.81, 95% CI [1.37-2.39]) and basal insulin therapy regimen (ORa= 1.77, 95% CI [1.30-2.40]). Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of diabetic insured on insulin analogues had a poor controlled diabetes. Type 1 diabetes and basal insulin therapy regimen were the two factors associated with good glycemic control after multivariate analysis. A review of criteria for reimbursement of insulin analogues by the National Health Insurance Fund is necessary in order to rationalize the expenses related to these molecules.     

Patient Characteristics do not Predict Poor Glycaemic Control in type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated in Primary Care

Many diabetic patients in general practice do not achieve good glycaemic control. The aim of this study was to assess which characteristics of type 2 diabetes patients treated in primary care predict poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > or = 7%). Data were collected from the medical records. 1641 patients were included who had mean HbA1c 7.1(SD 1.7)% , and 42% had HbA1c > or = 7%. On univariate analysis younger age; longer duration of diabetes; higher levels of blood glucose at diagnosis; most recent fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, and triglyceride; higher body mass index (BMI); treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA); treatment with insulin; more GP-visits for diabetes in the last year; and lower educational level were associated with poor control. Both in multiple linear regression and in multiple logistic regression higher levels of FBG (odds ratio (OR): = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49, 1.70), treatment with OHA (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.04), treatment with insulin (OR: 7.2, 95% CI: 4.18, 12.52), lower educational level (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.56) were independently associated with poor levels of HbA1c. When FBG levels were excluded from the model, higher blood glucose at diagnosis, higher values for triglyceride and total cholesterol, and younger age predicted poor glycaemic control, but these variables explained only 15% of the variation in HbA1c. In conclusion prediction of poor glycaemic control from patient characteristics in diabetic patients in general practice is hardly possible. FBG appeared to be a strong predictor of HbA1c, which underlines the usefulness of this simple test in daily diabetes care. The worse metabolic control in those treated with either OHA or insulin suggests that current treatment regimes might be not sufficiently applied to reach the targets of care. Providers of diabetes care should be attentive to patients with lower educational level.     

A randomized clinical trial comparing low-glycemic index versus ADA dietary education among individuals with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of a low glycemic index (GI) diet with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Forty individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes were randomized to a low-GI or an ADA diet. The intervention, consisting of eight educational sessions (monthly for the first 6 mo and then at months 8 and 10), focused on a low-GI or an ADA diet. Data on demographics, diet, physical activity, psychosocial factors, and diabetes medication use were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 mo. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare the two groups on HbA1c, diabetic medication use, blood lipids, weight, diet, and physical activity. RESULTS: Participants (53% female, mean age 53.5 y) were predominantly white with a mean body mass index of 35.8 kg/m(2). Although both interventions achieved similar reductions in mean HbA1c at 6 mo and 12 mo, the low-GI diet group was less likely to add or increase dosage of diabetic medications (odds ratio 0.26, P = 0.01). Improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and weight loss were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with the ADA diet, the low-GI diet achieved equivalent control of HbA1c using less diabetic medication. Despite its limited size, this trial suggests that a low-GI diet is a viable alternative to the ADA diet. Findings should be evaluated in a larger randomized controlled trial.     

甘精胰岛素联合口服药物治疗2型糖尿病的疗效及安全性分析

目的评价甘精胰岛素联合口服降糖药物（oral hypoglycemic drugs,OADs）治疗方案对使用预混胰岛素血糖控制欠佳的2型糖尿病患者的疗效及安全性。方法预混胰岛素30/70单独或联合使用OADs血糖控制不良的2型糖尿病患者50例,随机分为治疗组（停用预混胰岛素,改为皮下注射甘精胰岛素联合OADs）（n=30）和对照组（继续使用预混胰岛素早晚餐前皮下注射联合OADs）（n=20）,各组均依据血糖监测水平调整胰岛素及OADs用量。12周后对比两组患者空腹血糖（fasting blood glucose,FBG）、三餐后2 h血糖（2-hour postprandial blood glucose,2hPG）、糖化血红蛋白A1c（glycated hemoglobin A1c,HbA1c）、体重指数（body mass index,BMI）及试验期间低血糖发生次数。结果与治疗前相比,治疗组及对照组治疗后HbA1c、FBG、三餐2hPG均有所下降（P均〈0.01）;治疗组BMI无明显变化（P〉0.05）,对照组BMI较治疗前增加（P〈0.01）。与对照组相比,治疗组治疗后FBG、午餐2hPG及HbA1c均低于对照组（P均〈0.01）;治疗组治疗后BMI低于对照组（P〈0.01）;试验期间治疗组低血糖发生次数低于对照组（P〈0.01）。结论预混胰岛素血糖控制欠佳的2型糖尿病患者,改为甘精胰岛素联合OADs治疗,可使FBG和HbA1c显著改善,不增加体重,简便易行,且降低了低血糖风险。     

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

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.     

Silymarin as an adjunct to glibenclamide therapy improves long-term and postprandial glycemic control and body mass index in type 2 diabetes

Oxidative stress is increased postprandially and during long-term hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients who present with poor response to glibenclamide. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the antioxidant flavonoid silymarin in improving long-term and postprandial glycemic and weight control in type 2 diabetic patients treated with glibenclamide. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 59 type 2 diabetic patients, previously maintained on 10 mg/day glibenclamide and diet control, with poor glycemic control, were randomized into three groups: the first two groups were treated with either 200 mg/day silymarin or placebo as adjuncts to glibenclamide, and the third group was maintained on glibenclamide alone for 120 days. Fasting and 4-hour postprandial plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at baseline and after 120 days. Compared with placebo, silymarin treatment significantly reduced both fasting and postprandial plasma glucose excursions, in addition to significantly reducing HbA(1c) levels and BMI after 120 days. No significantly different effects were observed for placebo compared to glibenclamide alone. In conclusion, adjunct use of silymarin with glibenclamide improves the glycemic control targeted by glibenclamide, during both fasting and postprandially, an effect that may be related to increased insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.     

Adherence to regimens and glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary hospital clinic

This cross-sectional study is aimed to measure the prevalence of patient adherence to treatment regimens and factors affecting glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes patients. 243 diabetes patients seeking care at a tertiary hospital diabetic clinic in Bangkok were interviewed. HbA1c was used as an index of glycemic control. The proportions of cases with good adherence to physical exercise and diet regimen were 31.7 and 54.3%, respectively. About 46.5% reported receiving good social support for diabetes from his/her family. The median of HbA1c was 8% (normal range 4.7-6.3%). Approximately 33.3% achieved good glycemic control (HbAlc < or =7%), while 50.2% had poor control (HbAlc >8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated two variables were significantly associated with glycemic control: adherence to diet control and exercise. Interactive health education should be introduced to increase patient adherence to treatment regimens. Family members should be informed about their important roles in encouraging patients' glycemic control.     

Limited health care access impairs glycemic control in low income urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes

Limited access to health care is associated with adverse outcomes, but few studies have examined its effect on glycemic control in minority populations. Our observational cross-sectional study examined whether differences in health care access affected hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in 605 patients with diabetes (56% women; 89% African American; average age, 50 years; 95% with type 2 diabetes) initially treated at a municipal diabetes clinic. Patients who had difficulty obtaining care had higher A1c levels (9.4% vs. 8.7%; p=0.001), as did patients who used acute care facilities (9.5%; p<0.001) or who had no usual source of care (10.3%; p<0.001) compared with those who sought care at doctors' offices or clinics (8.6%). In adjusted analyses, HbA1c was higher in persons who gave a history of trouble obtaining medical care (0.57%; p=0.04), among persons who primarily used an acute care facility to receive their health care (0.49%; p=0.047), and in patients who reported not having a usual source of care (1.08%; p=0.009). Policy decisions for improving diabetes outcomes should target barriers to health care access and focus on developing programs to help high-risk populations maintain a regular place of health care.     

常州市武进区2型糖尿病患者糖化血红蛋白控制状况及其影响因素研究

目的 分析武进区糖尿病患者糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）控制状况及其影响因素。方法 基于区域卫生信息系统,收集武进区2018年10月—2020年9月在管的2型糖尿病患者（T2DM）基本信息和糖化血红蛋白检测数据,采用多因素logistic回归分析影响糖化血红蛋白控制状况及其影响因素。结果 共11 644例数据完整的糖尿病患者纳入分析,男性5 016例,女性6 628例,HbA1c达标（＜7%）人数4 586人（39.39%）。不同年龄组（χ2 = 35.254,P＜0.001）、不同吸烟状态组（χ2 = 16.789,P＜0.001）、不同饮酒频率组（χ2 = 6.155,P = 0.046）、不同医保类型组（χ2 = 25.213,P＜0.001）、不同糖尿病病程组（χ2 = 71.716,P＜0.001）、不同体质指数组（χ2 = 11.518,P = 0.009）和不同季节（χ2 = 25.213,P＜0.001）达标率差异有统计学意义。多元logistic回归显示较高年龄组（以＜60岁组为参照,60～69岁组OR = 0.793,95%CI:0.710～0.884;70～79岁组OR = 0.642,95%CI:0.573～0.720;≥80岁组OR = 0.542,95%CI:0.466～0.630）、较高文化程度（以文盲为参照,初中组OR = 0.692,95%CI:0.517～0.927;高中及以上组OR = 0.619,95%CI:0.454～0.846）、城镇职工医保（OR = 0.844,95%CI:0.767～0.929）、秋季（OR = 0.829,95%CI:0.737～0.932）和冬季（OR = 0.861,95%CI:0.776～0.955）是HbA1c控制不达标的保护因素,吸烟（OR = 1.227,95%CI:1.091～1.381）和戒烟（OR = 1.434,95%CI:1.096～1.874）、超重（OR = 1.130,95%CI:1.040～1.228）和肥胖（OR = 1.144,95%CI:1.023～1.280）、较长糖尿病病程（以＜2年组为参照,2～5.9年组OR = 1.126,95%CI:1.015～1.248;6～7.9年组OR = 1.587,95%CI:1.432～1.758;≥8年组OR = 1.737,95%CI:1.540～1.958）是HbA1c控制不达标的危险因素。结论 武进区糖尿病患者糖化血红蛋白达标率低,尤其是低年龄、超重和肥胖、吸烟或戒烟、糖尿病病程长、文化程度低和城镇居民医保患者,应采取相应措施提高糖化血红蛋白达标率。     

综合管理对老年2型糖尿病患者血糖控制达标的促进作用

目的了解综合管理对老年2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者血糖、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)达标的促进作用及影响因素。方法经过多年采取糖尿病综合防治措施,于2009年度体检时对长期在我院保健的老年T2DM患者进行综合评估。常规体检项目包括测量身高、体重和坐位血压,静脉采血测定空腹血糖、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、三酰甘油(TG),糖尿病患者均测定HbA1c。各项控制标准按美国糖尿病学会T2DM指南。结果 2009年评估的老年T2DM患者共688例,占参检人数的34.9。其中男652例,女36例,年龄60~95(78.2±9.1)岁。HbA1c平均值为(6.6±0.9),达标率以<6.5和<7.0分别计算,各为50.6和76.3。TC、LDL-C、HDL-C、TG、血压和体重指数(BMI)的达标率分别为77.1、46.4、66.1、67.8、36.3、57.4。相关影响因素分析显示糖尿病病程、降血糖需用药情况、血压控制情况、LDL-C、HDL-C、TG、BMI与HbA1c的控制有关(P<0.05)。10年来无1例因糖尿病酮症、高血糖高渗状态急诊入院,因中重度低血糖就...     

Initiating insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2: in a transmural setting is at least as effective as in an outpatient setting; a retrospective study with a 4-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: Assessing whether the initiation of insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 can be delivered as effectively in a structured transmural care model as in the more usual outpatients structure. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study. METHOD: In 1997 data were collected from 52 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 all of whom were above 40 years of age and transferred to insulin therapy in 1993: 25 in a transmural care setting and 27 in an outpatients setting, both in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Both groups were treated according to one protocol concerning the initiation and monitoring of insulin therapy, treatment goals and follow-up. Outcome measures were: percentage of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), health status, self-care behaviour and patient satisfaction. In 1993 the mean age was (transmural/outpatients setting): 67.5/65.3 years; percentage of men: 32%/48%; mean duration of diabetes: 7.3/10.6 years; HbA1c: 9.1%/9.3%; mean body mass index: 27.4/29.1 kg/m2. RESULTS: In the period 1993-1997 the mean HbA1c decreased from 9.1% to 7.2% in the transmural care group and from 9.3% to 7.6% in the outpatients care group (both: p = 0.000). The percentage of patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 8%) decreased from 60 to 8 in the transmural care group and from 59 to 15 in the outpatients care group. The percentage of patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%) increased from 4 to 52 in the transmural care group and from 11 to 30 in the outpatients care group. No statistically significant differences were found between the patient groups with respect to health status, self-care behaviour and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The transfer of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 insulin therapy in a shared care setting was at least as effective as in an outpatients setting.     

Decreases in dietary glycemic index are related to weight loss among individuals following therapeutic diets for type 2 diabetes

This study assessed the effect of changes in glycemic index (GI) and load (GL) on weight loss and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among individuals with type 2 diabetes beginning a vegan diet or diet following the 2003 American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations. The study was a 22-wk, randomized trial of 99 participants with type 2 diabetes who were counseled to follow 1 of 2 diet treatments. GI and GL changes were assessed based on 3-d dietary records. The relationships between GI/GL and changes in weight and HbA1C were calculated. In an intention-to-treat analysis (n = 99), the vegan group reduced GI to a greater extent than the ADA group (P < 0.05), but GL was reduced further in the ADA than the vegan group (P < 0.001). GI predicted changes in weight (P = 0.001), adjusting for changes in fiber, carbohydrate, fat, alcohol, energy intake, steps per day, group, and demographics, such that for every point decrease in GI, participants lost ~0.2 kg (0.44 lb). GI was not a predictor for changes in HbA1C after controlling for weight loss (P = 0.33). Weight loss was a predictor of changes in HbA1C (P = 0.047). GL was not related to weight loss or changes in HbA1C. A low-GI diet appears to be one of the determinants of success of a vegan or ADA diet in reducing body weight among people with type 2 diabetes. The reduction of body weight, in turn, was predictive of decreasing HbA1C.     

规律服药的糖尿病患者体力活动水平与糖化血红蛋白控制状况的关系

  目的  了解遵医嘱规律服药的糖尿病患者体力活动水平与糖化血红蛋白控制状况之间的关系，为糖尿病患者的健康干预提供依据。  方法  于2014-2016年间收集南京化工园区5家社区卫生服务中心纳入管理的遵医嘱规律服药的2型糖尿病患者作为研究对象。采用单因素和多因素非条件Logistic回归模型，研究不同性别2型糖尿病患者体力活动水平与糖化血红蛋白的关系。  结果  本研究纳入分析1 272人，其中男596例(46.9%)，女676例(53.1%)，平均年龄为(64.63±9.04)岁。按性别分层分析结果显示，体力活动水平充足的男性糖尿病患者的糖化血红蛋白达标率为体力活动水平不充足男性患者的2.11倍(95%CI:1.17~3.78，P=0.013)，女性患者中二者差异无统计学意义。  结论  加强遵医嘱规律服药的糖尿病患者体力活动水平可以帮助血糖的控制。     

Point of care testing to improve glycemic control

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to pilot-test the feasibility and impact of protocol-driven point-of-care HbAlc testing on levels of glycemic control and on rates of diabetic regimen intensification in an urban community health center serving low-income patients. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper suggests a primary care process re-design, using point of care finger-stick HbA1c testing under a standing order protocol that provided test results to the provider at patient visit. FINDINGS: The paper finds that the protocol was well received by both nurses and physicians. HbA1c testing rates increased from 73.6 percent to 86.8 percent (p = 0.40, n = 106). For the 69 patients who had both pre- and post-intervention results, HbAlc levels decreased significantly from 8.55 to 7.84 (p = 0.004, n = 69). At baseline, the health center as a system was relatively ineffective in responding to elevated HbA1c levels. An opportunity to intensify, i.e. a face-to-face visit with lab results available, occurred for only 68.6 percent of elevated HbAlc levels before the intervention, vs. 100 percent post-intervention (p < 0.001). Only 28.6 percent of patients with HbAlc levels >8.0 had their regimens intensified in the pre-intervention phase, compared with 53.8 percent in the post-intervention phase (p = 0.03). RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This was a pilot-study in one urban health center. Larger group-randomized controlled trials are needed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The health center's performance as a system, improved significantly as a way of intensifying diabetic regimens thereby achieving improved glycemic control. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This intervention is feasible, replicable and scalable and does not rely on changing physician behaviors to improve primary care diabetic outcomes.     

Glycemic outcome not predicted by baseline psychological measures in a diabetes management program

The Northern Health Diabetes Hospital Admission Risk Program is a chronic disease management program that aims to improve the glycemic management of patients with diabetes. The aim of this project was to determine if there was any relationship between psychological characteristics and glycemic outcome in a diabetes management program. A prospective study of patients attending the diabetes management program investigated validated measures of cognition, stage of change, locus of control, self-efficacy, depression and anxiety, and quality of life. The study investigated 86 type 2 diabetes patients (mean age 59 years, 49% female). Glycemic control (HbA1c) was measured at baseline and after 12 months in the program. Glycemic control was poor on admission to the service with a mean HbA1c of 8.9%. The measures of cognition, self-efficacy, locus of control, mental health, and quality of life were not associated with improvements in HbA1c. Those participants with shorter duration of disease and more contacts with the service were significantly more likely to experience improvements in HbA1c. Psychometric data were not predictive of glycemic outcome. Rather, in this chronic disease management program, glycemia improved more in patients who were seen earlier in their disease course and managed more intensively, regardless of their psychometric status.     

Social disadvantage: its impact on the use of Medicare services related to diabetes in NSW

OBJECTIVE: To use Medicare data to examine the impact of social disadvantage on the use of health services related to diabetes. METHOD: Information on number of diabetic individuals and number of services for select Medicare item codes were retrieved by New South Wales postcodes using a Health Insurance Commission data file. The postcodes were graded into quintiles of social disadvantage. RESULTS: People at most social disadvantage were significantly less likely to be under the care of a general practitioner (adjusted OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.40-0.41) or consultant physician (adjusted OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.48-0.53), despite this group having the highest prevalence of diabetes. The difference in attendance to other specialists was less marked but nevertheless significant (adjusted OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.68-0.75). Once under a doctor's care, patients at most disadvantage were slightly more likely to undergo HbA1c or microalbuminuria estimation (adjusted OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00-1.10 and adjusted OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.12-1.33, respectively) but were less likely to undergo lipid or HDL cholesterol estimation (adjusted OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.48-0.53 and adjusted OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79-0.90, respectively). CONCLUSION: While access to medical care is decreased for people at most social disadvantage, once under a doctor's care they receive a level of monitoring that is relatively equal to that provided to people less disadvantaged. IMPLICATION: Strategies are required to ensure equal access to medical services for all persons with diabetes, especially for persons who are at most social and medical disadvantage.     

Assessment of Quality of Life Needs of Children With Mild Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study was to examine youths' knowledge of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test and glycemic control. Seventy youths (11–16 year olds) with type 1 diabetes were interviewed concerning their knowledge of the HbA1c test, health risks associated with particular HbA1c values, and their own glycemic goals. Results revealed that only 13% of youths accurately described the HbA1c test. Fewer correctly identified the HbA1c ranges for good, fair, and poor glycemic control. The majority of youths did not know the blood glucose values corresponding to specific HbA1c results. Only a small number of youth correctly estimated the short-term and long-term risks associated with maintenance of HbA1c of 7% and 12%. In this sample of mostly lower income, minority youths with type 1 diabetes, there was a significant lack of knowledge concerning the meaning and implications of the HbA1c test. Findings suggest that interventions for this patient population should use the HbA1c test results to help young patients to better understand and set goals for their glycemic control.     

Social disadvantage: Its impact on the use of Medicare services related to diabetes in NSW

Objective: To use Medicare data to examine the impact of social disadvantage on the use of health services related to diabetes.
Method: Information on number of diabetic individuals and number of services for select Medicare item codes were retrieved by New South Wales postcodes using a Health Insurance Commission data file. The postcodes were graded into quintiles of social disadvantage.
Results: People at most social disadvantage were significantly less likely to be under the care of a general practitioner (adjusted OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.40–0.41) or consultant physician (adjusted OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.48–0.53), despite this group having the highest prevalence of diabetes. The difference in attendance to other specialists was less marked but nevertheless significant (adjusted OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.68–0.75). Once under a doctor's care, patients at most disadvantage were slightly more likely to undergo HbA1c or microalbuminuria estimation (adjusted OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.10 and adjusted OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.12–1.33, respectively) but were less likely to undergo lipid or HDL cholesterol estimation (adjusted OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.48–0.53 and adjusted OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79–0.90, respectively).
Conclusion: While access to medical care is decreased for people at most social disadvantage, once under a doctor's care they receive a level of monitoring that is relatively equal to that provided to people less disadvantaged.
Implication: Strategies are required to ensure equal access to medical services for all persons with diabetes, especially for persons who are at most social and medical disadvantage.     

Effectiveness of Health Coaching in Diabetes Control and Lifestyle Improvement: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Background: The study aimed to look into the effectiveness of a 6-month health coaching intervention for HbA1c and healthy diet in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The study was carried out via a two-armed, randomized controlled trial that included 114 diabetic patients at a medical center in Taiwan. During the 6-month period, the intervention group had health coaching and usual care for 6 months, and the control group had usual care only. The outcome variables were HbA1c level and healthy diet for follow-up measurement in the third and sixth month. Results: The study discovered a significant decrease in HbA1c and health diet improvement after the 6-month health coaching. Patients in the intervention group decreased their daily intake of whole grains, fruits, meats and protein, and fats and oils while increasing their vegetables intake. Conclusions: Health coaching may be conducive to the blood sugar control and healthy diet of patients with type 2 diabetes. Further study on health coaching with higher-quality evidence is needed.