Few Diabetics Meet Treatment Goals

A study has found that fewer than 12% of diabetics meet the recommended goals for blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, all of which have been proven to delay or prevent diabetes complications. Moreover, this percentage has not changed much in the last decade. The findings were reported in the January 21, 2004, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Researchers compared data obtained from a sample of adults age 20 and older with diagnosed diabetes who took part in a national study conducted from 1988-1994 or another one conducted from 1999 to 2000. Those who participated in the later study, though similar in weight and gender, were heavier, diagnosed with diabetes younger, and more likely to be using insulin. Only 37% were achieving the desired blood glucose control and only 36% met the current blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 mmHg. Also, more participants in the later study were receiving medicine to lower high cholesterol. Diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure, limb amputation, and new onset blindness in adults and also a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

"We must redouble our efforts to empower patients and providers with information and tools to improve therapy and to provide incentives for the comprehensive care that has been proven effective in reducing diabetes complications,” said coauthor Dr. Judith Fradkin, director of the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases division of the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).




Related Links:
NIDDK