Studies from Harvard University, Medical Department further understanding of diabetes

   "The objective of the study was to evaluate racial differences in long-term glucose self-monitoring and adherence rates in an HMO using evidence-based guidelines for self-monitoring. Retrospective cohort study using 10 years (1/1/1993-12/31/2002) of electronic medical record data was used. Patients were 1,732 insured adult diabetics of black or white race newly initiated on hypoglycemic therapy in a large multi-specialty care group practice. Outcomes include incidence and prevalence of glucose self-monitoring, intensity of use, and rate of adherence to national recommended standards. We found no evidence of racial differences in adjusted initiation rates of glucose self-monitoring among insulin-treated patients, but found lower rates of initiation among black patients living in low-income areas. Intensity of glucose self-monitoring remained lower among blacks than whites throughout follow-up [IRR for insulin=0.41 (0.27-0.62); IRR for oral hypoglycemic=0.75 (0.63, 0.90)], with both groups monitoring well below recommended standards. Among insulin-treated patients, < 1% of blacks and < 10% of whites were self-monitoring 3 times per day; 36% of whites and 10% of blacks were self-monitoring at least once per day. Adherence to glucose self-monitoring standards was low, particularly among blacks, and racial differences in self-monitoring persisted within a health system providing equal access to services for diabetes patients," wrote C.M. Trinacty and colleagues, Harvard University, Medical Department.

   The researchers concluded: "Early and continued emphasis on adherence among black diabetics may be necessary to reduce racial differences in long-term glucose self-monitoring."

   Trinacty and colleagues published their study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (Racial differences in long-term self-monitoring practice among newly drug-treated diabetes patients in an HMO. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2007;22(11):1506-1513).

   Additional information can be obtained by contacting C.M. Trinacty, Harvard University, School Medical, Dept. of Ambulatory Care & Prevention, 133 Brookline Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

   The publisher of the Journal of General Internal Medicine can be contacted at: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

   Keywords: United States, Boston, Clinical Trial Research, Diabetes, Endocrinology, HMO, Health Insurance, Health Maintenance Organizations, Internal Medicine, Quality of Care, Therapy, Treatment, Harvard University, Medical Department.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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