Diabetes Management: Tests and Treatments among the 18 and Older U.S, Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population in 2003. Statistical Brief Number 105

摘要

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes is associated with a number of other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and blindness. If diagnosed and treated effectively, these complications and co-morbidities could be delayed or treated. This Statistical Brief uses data from the Household Component of the 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC) to estimate the health status, preventive health practices, and treatment regimens of adults who reported having been diagnosed with diabetes. Rates at which persons with diabetes obtain preventive medical care and recommended tests are presented. It should be noted that all references to diabetics in this brief refer to those reported to have ever been diagnosed with this disease by a physician. All comparisons discussed in the text are statistically significant at the .05 level unless otherwise noted. Findings. Diabetes can affect many parts of the body and can lead to serious complications, such as blindness, kidney damage, and lower-limb amputations. Working together, people with diabetes and their health care providers can reduce the occurrence of these and other diabetic complications by monitoring and controlling the levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids. Among several methods of monitoring and controlling are the yearly hemoglobin A1c test, dilated eye exams, and foot exams for all diabetics.