Trends in Diabetes Treatment and Control in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Andreas Kuznik, Jack Mardekian
Primary Institution: Pfizer Inc.
Hypothesis
What are the trends in the use of lipid- and blood pressure-lowering agents among the U.S. diabetic population from 1999 to 2008?
Conclusion
The proportion of diabetic individuals taking lipid- and BP-lowering agents has increased significantly, but nearly half are not achieving recommended treatment goals.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes increased from 7.4% in 1999-2000 to 11.9% in 2007-2008.
- Use of lipid-lowering agents increased from 19.5% to 42.2% among participants with diabetes.
- Proportion at LDL-C goal increased from 29.7% to 54.4% during the same period.
- Antihypertensive medication use rose from 35.4% to 58.9%, but BP goal attainment did not significantly change.
Takeaway
More people with diabetes are taking medicine to lower their cholesterol and blood pressure, but many still aren't reaching the goals doctors want them to.
Methodology
Analysis of NHANES data from 1999-2008, including self-reported diabetes status and medication use.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to inaccuracies in medication use and diabetes status.
Limitations
Data is self-reported, which may introduce recall bias, and laboratory measurements were based on single specimens.
Participant Demographics
Men and nonpregnant women aged ≥20 years, with a subset of 1,214 identified as having diabetes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.0007 for diabetes prevalence increase; P < 0.0001 for lipid-lowering agent use increase.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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