Insulin Use and Distance to Care in Type 2 Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Benjamin Littenberg, Kaitlin Strauss, Charles D MacLean, Austin R Troy
Primary Institution: University of Vermont
Hypothesis
Insulin use is associated with driving distance to primary care.
Conclusion
Adults with type 2 diabetes who live farther from their source of primary care are less likely to use insulin.
Supporting Evidence
- Driving distance was significantly associated with insulin use.
- The odds ratio for using insulin associated with each kilometer of driving distance was 0.97.
- Those living within 10 km were more likely to use insulin compared to those living farther away.
Takeaway
If you live far away from your doctor, you might not use insulin as much for diabetes. It's like if you have to walk a long way to get help, you might not go as often.
Methodology
The study surveyed 781 adults with type 2 diabetes about their insulin use and driving distance to primary care.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding by unmeasured variables could affect the results.
Limitations
The study population was mostly white and insured, which may limit generalizability to urban or uninsured populations.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly elderly (51% age 65 or more), female (54%), white (97%), and married (63%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
0.95, 0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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