Diabetes Care and Household Income
Author Information
Author(s): Doreen M Rabi, Alun L Edwards, Lawrence W Svenson, Peter M Sargious, Peter Norton, Erik T Larsen, William A Ghali
Primary Institution: University of Calgary
Hypothesis
Do clinical profiles and medication use of patients referred for diabetes care differ across income quintiles?
Conclusion
Low income patients present to diabetes clinic older, heavier, and with a more atherogenic lipid profile than high income patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Low income patients had a higher BMI and older age at referral compared to high income patients.
- High income patients had lower triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol levels.
- Medication use was higher among lower income groups despite similar HBA1C levels.
Takeaway
People with less money who have diabetes tend to be older and heavier when they go to the doctor compared to those with more money.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study analyzed clinical data from a diabetes education center and merged it with census income data.
Potential Biases
Potential information bias due to variability in how physicians complete referral forms.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and examines clinical profiles at one point in time, which may not reflect changes over time.
Participant Demographics
Patients referred to a diabetes education center in Calgary, Alberta, from May 2000 to January 2002.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0005
Confidence Interval
95% CI -0.65 – -0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.0005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website