Identification and Prevention of Diabetic Complications among Minority Populations

Authors

Jay J. Shen, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Elmer L. Washington, Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2008

Publication Title

Ethnicity & Disease

Volume

18

Issue

2

First page number:

136

Last page number:

140

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

In consideration of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, multiple factors related to levels of long-term glycemic control, and complex causes of racial disparities across a variety of chronic conditions, patterns of admissions and complications related to diabetes by ethnicity were explored to develop a more clear understanding of underlying causes of disparities.

METHOD:

Using the 2003 National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed the correlation between the primary diagnosis and the likelihood that the condition represented poorly controlled diabetes or a diabetes-related complication.

RESULTS:

Minorities were more likely to be admitted through the emergency department and for a condition directly related to diabetes progression. Further, minorities were more likely to be admitted for acute hyperglycemia and acute hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION:

Interventions that address root causes of disparities related to diabetes and other conditions, such as care-seeking behaviors and ease of access to primary care providers, are keys to eliminating ethnic disparities.

Keywords

Diabetes – Diagnosis; Diabetes – Prevention; Diabetics; Minorities – Health and hygiene

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Public Health Education and Promotion | Race and Ethnicity

Language

English

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.

Repository Citation

Shen, J. J., Washington, E. L. (2008). Identification and Prevention of Diabetic Complications among Minority Populations. Ethnicity & Disease, 18(2), 136-140.