Diabetes
Project Overview
and Indicators
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases among
American adults, accounting for nearly 20 percent of Medicare health care
expenditures. These expenditures can be attributed to long-term complications
resulting from diabetes. Some of the most significant long-term complications
include blindness, renal failure and diffuse cardiovascular disease.
Controlling diabetes is now a more attainable goal because of the increased availability
of effective medications and insulin regimens. In an effort to facilitate
better diabetes control, national medical organizations such as the
American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians
establish guidelines for the standard of care for diabetes. To date,
such standards of care for the diabetic patient include: regular glycosylated
hemoglobin testing (HbA1c), annual fasting lipid profiles, regular
urine testing for microalbuminuria and blood pressure control targets
of under 130/80.
The following indicators provide performance minimums for the quality
of care delivered to diabetic patients in Arkansas and across our
nation:
- Annual HbA1c testing
- Biennial testing of lipid profile
- Biennial retinal
eye exam
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