Epidemiological and clinical research for clinical management of diabetes require appropriate system of classification that provides a framework for identifying and differentiating its various forms and stages. Current knowledge about diabetes demands revision of the nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and classification of diabetes. Diabetes is the third leading cause of death among Blacks in the United States, exceeded only by cardiovascular and cancer. To improve the health and clinical management of Black diabetic patients, intra-racial studies of the distribution and diagnosis of diabetes are needed and necessary. This study examines the patterns of diagnostic procedures received by Black diabetic patients in the U.S.. Objectives of the study are to: profile the geographic distribution of Black diabetic patients; and, examine regional variations in source and types of hospital care for the patients. A data set of over 30,000 Black diabetic patients discharged from hospitals between 1990 and 1998 was created from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). Statistical analyses was conducted using SPSS in a Windows-NT environment; ICD-9 and ICD-9-CM codes were used to examine diagnosis and clinical procedures. Majority of Black diabetic patients were in the South, but hospitals in the Northeast performed most diagnostic procedures; approximately 60% received care at small hospitals; majority were discharged without a diabetic complication – ophthalmic complications were the most prevalent. Women experienced more complications than men. Implications of these findings for reducing disparities in the diagnosis/clinical management of the patients through targeted health promotion and monitoring of the adequacy of clinical care will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: lEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants will be able to: 1. Understand the geographic distribution of Black diabetic patients in the U.S.; 2. Understand existing diagnostic criteria for diabetes; and, 3. Understand implications of accurate diagnosis in the classification and clinical management of diabetic patients in general
Keywords: Diabetes, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.