Blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing among adults with diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, USA, 2019 vs 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Regular blood glucose/A1c, blood pressure (BP), and cholesterol (ABC) testing is important for diabetes management. It is unknown whether pandemic-related disruptions in medical care were negatively associated with ABC testing among US adults with diagnosed diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among adults ≥18 years with diagnosed diabetes who participated in the 2019 or 2021 National Health Interview Survey (n=3355 and n=3127, respectively). Adults with diabetes self-reported sociodemographic and diabetes-related characteristics, ABC testing in the past year, and delays or not getting medical care due to the pandemic (2021 only). Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in ABC testing in 2019 vs 2021. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between delays or not getting medical care due to the pandemic and ABC testing, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes duration, and diabetes medication use. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of having a blood glucose/A1c or a BP test in the past year was high (>90%) but it was significantly lower in 2021 compared with 2019 (A1c: 94.2% vs 96.8%, p<0.001; BP: 96.8% vs 98.4%, p=0.002, respectively). Cholesterol testing remained stable (93.0% in 2021 vs 94.5% in 2019, p=0.053). In logistic regression analysis, after full adjustment, adults who reported delaying or not getting medical care when needed due to the pandemic were 50% less likely to get an ABC test in the past year compared with those who promptly received medical care (A1c: adjusted OR (aOR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.29-0.68; BP: aOR=0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.85; cholesterol: aOR=0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Disruptions in medical care during the pandemic were associated with a decrease in ABC testing. Future research is needed to assess whether blood glucose/A1c and BP testing returns to prepandemic levels and if reductions in these tests result in excess diabetes-related complications.

Opioid prescription and diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of opioid prescriptions among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries by diabetes status, and predictors of opioid prescription among those with diabetes. METHODS: This retrospective study used claims data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services among beneficiaries age ≥ 65 years who were continuously enrolled in Part A, Part B, and Part D Medicare between 2017 and 2019 (N = 709,374). Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of opioid prescription among those with vs without diabetes; and, among those with diabetes, significant predictors of opioid prescription. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of any opioid prescription was 30.8 % among persons with diabetes and 24.2 % in those without diabetes (p < 0.001); chronic use was 8.0 % and 7.4 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Those with diabetes had a 45 % higher odds of having an opioid prescription compared to those without diabetes after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.45, 1.44-1.47). After adjustment for comorbidities/complications, the association reversed (OR = 0.83, 0.82-0.84). Persons with diabetes who had hypertension, obesity, CVD, neuropathy, amputation, liver disease, COPD, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, or alcohol/drug abuse had a 20 %-140 % higher odds of opioid prescription compared to those without these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and complications accounted for the higher odds of opioid prescriptions among those with diabetes.

Association between gestational diabetes and 6-year incident diabetes: results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes (GDM) disproportionately affect those of Hispanic/Latino heritage. This study examined the association between GDM and prevalent and incident diabetes in a community-based study of Hispanic/Latina women living in the USA. METHODS: Participants were women aged 18-74 years in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos who had at least one pregnancy and had information on self-reported history of GDM at baseline (n=6389). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between GDM and prevalent (2008-2011) and incident (2014-2017) diabetes and interactions between GDM and risk factors for incident diabetes. RESULTS: At baseline, 8.7% of participants reported a history of GDM and 18.6% had prevalent diabetes. Women with Mexican heritage had the highest prevalence of GDM history (11.3%) vs women of Cuban (5.0%), Central American (4.9%), and South American (3.8%) heritage (p<0.001 for each comparison to Mexican heritage). Women with self-reported GDM were four times more likely to have prevalent diabetes compared with women without GDM, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and cardiometabolic risk factors (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.94, 95% CI 2.75 to 5.64). Overall incidence of diabetes was 14.3/100 women. Women with GDM at baseline increased their odds of incident diabetes by threefold compared with women without GDM (aOR=3.25, 95% CI 2.09 to 5.05). Women with Cuban or Puerto Rican heritage and GDM had significantly higher odds of incident diabetes compared with women with Mexican heritage (aOR=2.15, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.95; aOR=1.95, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.55, respectively). CONCLUSION: Self-reported GDM was significantly associated with a threefold higher risk of incident diabetes among Hispanic/Latino women in the USA even after adjusting for several significant predictors of diabetes.

Food insecurity, diet quality, and suboptimal diabetes management among US adults with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: A healthy diet is recommended to support diabetes management, including HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol (ABC) control, but food insecurity is a barrier to consuming a healthy diet. We determined the prevalence of food insecurity and diet quality among US adults with diabetes and the associations with ABC management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted among 2075 adults ≥20 years with diagnosed diabetes who participated in the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Food insecurity was assessed using a standard questionnaire and diet quality was assessed using quartiles of the 2015 Healthy Eating Index. Adjusted ORs (aOR, 95% CI) were calculated from logistic regression models to determine the association between household food insecurity/diet quality and the ABCs while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, smoking, medication for diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol, and body mass index. RESULTS: Overall, 17.6% of adults had food insecurity/low diet quality; 14.2% had food insecurity/high diet quality; 33.1% had food security/low diet quality; and 35.2% had food security/high diet quality. Compared with adults with food security/high diet quality, those with food insecurity/low diet quality were significantly more likely to have HbA1c ≥7.0% (aOR=1.85, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.80) and HbA1c ≥8.0% (aOR=1.79, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.08); food insecurity/high diet quality was significantly associated with elevated HbA1c; and food security/low diet quality with elevated A1c. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity, regardless of diet quality, was significantly associated with elevated A1c. For people with food insecurity, providing resources to reduce food insecurity could strengthen the overall approach to optimal diabetes management.

Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium Consumption and Markers of Glucose Metabolism in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

OBJECTIVE: This was a cross-sectional study associating vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and potassium intakes with markers of glucose metabolism in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). METHODS: HCHS/SOL is a multicenter, prospective, population-based cohort study on Hispanics/Latinos aged 18-74 years in the US. For this analysis, we included 10,609 participants who were free of diabetes. Analysis of covariance was used to assess associations of a range of micronutrient intake on the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and 2-hour post-oral glucose tolerance test (2h-plasma glucose) separately for normoglycemic and with pre-diabetes, after controlling for important confounders. All analyses accounted for the complex sample design and sampling weights. RESULTS: HOMA-IR levels were significantly lower among adults with intakes in the highest quartile for vitamin D, magnesium, and potassium compared to the respective lowest quartiles, for those with normoglycemia and pre-diabetes, even after adjusting for confounders, such as diet quality (p < 0.05). For those with pre-diabetes, HOMA-IR levels were also significantly lower for those in the highest quartile of calcium intake. However, 2h-plasma glucose was significantly higher in those with intakes higher than quartile 1 for vitamin D and calcium among those with normoglycemia and significantly higher in quartile 3 of potassium intake for those with pre-diabetes, p < 0.05. No significant associations were found for HbA1c in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Higher consumption of vitamin D, magnesium, and potassium are associated with optimal levels of HOMA-IR among participants with normoglycemia and pre-diabetes.

Association of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption with Prediabetes and Glucose Metabolism Markers in Hispanic/Latino Adults in the United States: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

BACKGROUND: Both the incidence of diabetes mellitus and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are high in the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States. The associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and 100% fruit juice with prediabetes and glucose metabolism markers in the diverse Hispanic/Latino population in the United States are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and 100% fruit juice with prediabetes and glucose metabolism markers such as fasting glucose and insulin, 2-h oral-glucose-tolerance test, HOMA-IR, HOMA index for ß-cell function (HOMA-B), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among US Hispanic/Latino adults. METHODS: Using baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008-2011), beverage consumption was ascertained using two 24-h dietary recalls and a food propensity questionnaire. Diabetes/prediabetes status was defined by self-report, antihyperglycemic medication use, and American Diabetes Association laboratory criteria. Among 9965 individuals without diabetes (5194 normoglycemia, 4771 prediabetes) aged 18-74 y, the associations of beverage consumption with prediabetes and glucose metabolism markers were analyzed using logistic and linear regressions, respectively, accounting for complex survey design. RESULTS: Compared with individuals who consumed <1 serving/d (<240 mL/d) of sugar-sweetened beverages, individuals who consumed >2 servings/d (>480 mL/d) had 1.3 times greater odds of having prediabetes (95% CI: 1.06, 1.61) and higher glucose metabolism markers including fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c. Consumption of artificially sweetened beverages showed an inverse association with ß-cell function (HOMA-B). Intake of 100% fruit juice was not significantly associated with prediabetes nor with glucose metabolism markers. CONCLUSIONS: Among US Hispanic/Latino adults, higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was associated with increased odds of prediabetes and higher glucose metabolism markers. Public health initiatives to decrease sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could potentially reduce the burden of diabetes among Hispanics/Latinos in the United States.

Cognitive function among older adults with diabetes and prediabetes, NHANES 2011-2014.

AIMS: To determine the association between diabetes status, glycemia, and cognitive function among a national U.S. sample of older adults in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examinations Surveys. METHODS: Among 1,552 adults age ≥ 60 years, linear and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the association between diabetes status (diabetes, prediabetes, normoglycemia) and cognitive function [Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease-Word Learning (CERAD W-L), Animal Fluency test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)]. RESULTS: Overall, diabetes was associated with mild cognitive dysfunction. In age-adjusted models, adults with diabetes had significantly poorer performance on the delayed and total word recalls (CERAD W-L) compared to those with normoglycemia (5.8 vs. 6.8 words; p = 0.002 and 24.5 vs. 27.6 words; p < 0.001, respectively); the association was non-significant after adjusting for cardiovascular disease. Among all adults, cognitive function scores decreased with increasing HbA1c for all assessments, but remained significant in the fully adjusted model for the Animal Fluency and DSST [beta coefficient = -0.44;-1.11, p < 0.05, respectively]. As measured by the DSST, the proportion with cognitive impairment was significantly higher for older adults with HbA1c ≥ 8.0% (≥64 mmol/mol) vs. HbA1c < 7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) (14.6% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Dysglycemia, as measured by HbA1c, was associated with poorer executive function and processing speed.

Comparison of several survey-based algorithms to ascertain type 1 diabetes among US adults with self-reported diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Defining type of diabetes using survey data is challenging, although important, for determining national estimates of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage and characteristics of US adults classified as having type 1 diabetes as defined by several algorithms. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study included 6331 respondents aged ≥18 years who reported a physician diagnosis of diabetes in the 2016-2017 National Health Interview Survey. Seven algorithms classified type 1 diabetes using various combinations of self-reported diabetes type, age of diagnosis, current and continuous insulin use, and use of oral hypoglycemics. RESULTS: The percentage of type 1 diabetes among those with diabetes ranged from 3.4% for those defined by age of diagnosis <30 years and continuous insulin use (algorithm 2) to 10.2% for those defined only by continuous insulin use (algorithm 1) and 10.4% for those defined as self-report of type 1 (supplementary algorithm 6). Among those defined by age of diagnosis <30 years and continuous insulin use (algorithm 2), by self-reported type 1 diabetes and continuous insulin use (algorithm 4), and by self-reported type 1 diabetes and current insulin use (algorithm 5), mean body mass index (BMI) (28.6, 27.4, and 28.5 kg/m2, respectively) and percentage using oral hypoglycemics (16.1%, 11.1%, and 19.0%, respectively) were lower than for all other algorithms assessed. Among those defined by continuous insulin use alone (algorithm 1), the estimates for mean age and age of diagnosis (54.3 and 30.9 years, respectively) and BMI (30.9 kg/m2) were higher than for other algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of type 1 diabetes using commonly used algorithms in survey data result in varying degrees of prevalence, characteristic distributions, and potential misclassification.

Urinary phenols and parabens and diabetes among US adults, NHANES 2005-2014.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phenols and parabens are ubiquitous and have been associated with markers of cardiovascular health. However, the literature lacks population-based studies examining the link between these endocrine disruptors and diabetes. We examined the association between paraben/phenol concentrations and diabetes among a nationally representative sample of US adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: We utilized data from the 2005-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (N = 8498). Total urinary concentrations of BPA, triclosan, BP-3, and propyl, butyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens were measured from urine specimens collected during the examination session. Diabetes status was based on self-report of a previous diagnosis or HbA1c≥6.5%. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with the difference in log-transformed values of the 75th and 25th percentiles for each phenol/paraben, adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) of diabetes comparing the 75th to 25th percentiles of each paraben/phenol were 1.09 (0.96-1.23) for BPA, 0.84 (0.72-0.98) for triclosan, 0.69 (0.61-0.79) for BP-3, 0.71 (0.61-0.83) for propyl paraben, 0.66 (0.54-0.80) for butyl paraben, 0.60 (0.51-0.71) for ethyl paraben, and 0.79 (0.68-0.91) for methyl paraben. CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of triclosan, BP-3, and propyl, butyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens were associated with lower odds of diabetes. These findings warrant further investigation into the potential mechanism behind the observed associations and the temporal direction of the associations, given that we cannot rule out reverse causation. Future studies of these endocrine disruptors may improve the understanding of their relationship with diabetes.

The Association Between Heart Rate and Glycemic Status in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

CONTEXT: Evidence suggests that heart rate (HR) is a prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), for which persons with diabetes are at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to determine the association between HR and glycemic status in a nationally representative sample of US adults, and, among adults with diagnosed diabetes, the association between HR and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING: The setting of this study is the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2011 to 2016. PARTICIPANTS: US general adult (age ≥ 20 years) population who had information on glycemic status based on self-report, HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose (N = 8562). INTERVENTION: There was no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure of this study was mean HR (beats per minute). RESULTS: After adjustment for examination time, age, other demographic characteristics, health insurance, health behaviors, body mass index, CVD and kidney disease, and taking antihypertensive medications, mean HR was significantly higher for those with diagnosed (75 bpm), undiagnosed diabetes (75 bpm), and prediabetes (73 bpm) compared to those with normoglycemia (71 bpm, P < .05 for all); this association was robust both for men and women. Mean HR increased with increasing HbA1c level among individuals with diagnosed diabetes independent of other risk factors (HbA1c < 7.0% [< 53 mmol/mol], 73 bpm vs A1c ≥ 11.0% [≥ 97mmol/mol], 79 bpm, P < .001); this association was most pronounced for women. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusted mean HR was higher among individuals with diabetes and increased glycemia, which may reflect underlying autonomic and/or myocardial dysfunction among those with diabetes.

Factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes among adults with diabetes: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

AIMS: To investigate sociodemographic and health factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes among adults with diabetes in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). METHODS: Among 3384 adults with self-reported diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes in the baseline HCHS/SOL, we estimated odds ratios (OR) of being undiagnosed for demographic, cultural, access to care, and health factors. RESULTS: Among individuals with diabetes, 37.0% were undiagnosed. After adjustment and compared to people of Mexican heritage, people of Cuban and South American heritage had 60% (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.02-2.50) and 91% (OR = 1.91, 1.16-3.14) higher odds of being undiagnosed, respectively. Individuals with a higher odds of being undiagnosed were women (OR = 1.64, 1.26-2.13), those with no health insurance (OR = 1.31, 1.00-1.71), individuals who received no healthcare in the past year (OR = 3.59, 2.49-5.16), those who were overweight (vs. normal weight) (OR = 1.60, 1.02-2.50), and those with dyslipidemia (OR = 1.38, 1.10-1.74). Individuals with lower odds of being undiagnosed were those with a family history of diabetes (OR = 0.54, 0.43-0.68), and those with hypertension (OR = 0.46, 0.36-0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Variation by Hispanic heritage group, sex, and access to medical care highlight where concentrated efforts are need to improve diabetes awareness. Our findings will inform clinical and public health practices to improve diabetes awareness among vulnerable populations.

Contributions of A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and 2-hour plasma glucose to prediabetes prevalence: NHANES 2011-2014.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to characterize the contributions of A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and 2-hour plasma glucose to prediabetes prevalence and to characterize how those contributions differ among U.S. population subgroups. METHODS: In the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population, among participants without diabetes (N = 3387), we created area-proportional three-Venn diagrams showing the proportion above the prediabetes cutpoint for each of the three markers in the overall population and in subgroups defined by age, race/ethnicity, sex, and body mass index. RESULTS: In the overall population, 28.3% had fasting plasma glucose above the prediabetes cutpoint, 21.7% had A1c above the prediabetes cutpoint, and 13.3% had 2-hour plasma glucose above the prediabetes cutpoint. Adolescents and young adults tended to have only one marker exceed the prediabetes cutpoint, while older age groups tended to have multiple markers above the prediabetes cutpoint. For non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, non-Hispanic Asians, and Mexican-Americans, the unadjusted total percent above the A1c cutpoint was 19.3%, 36.4%, 20.5%, and 21.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a graphic reference showing fasting plasma glucose was the largest contributor to prediabetes prevalence in the overall population, followed by A1c and then 2-hour plasma glucose.

Prevalence of gestational diabetes and subsequent Type 2 diabetes among U.S. women.

AIMS: The true prevalence of gestational diabetes (GDM) in the United States is unknown. This study determined the prevalence of GDM and a subsequent diagnosis of diabetes in a nationally representative sample of U.S. women. METHODS: The crude and age-adjusted prevalence of GDM and subsequent diabetes were evaluated by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics among women age ≥20 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2014 (N = 8185). Logistic regression analyzed independent factors associated with GDM and subsequent diabetes. RESULTS: The prevalence of GDM was 7.6%. Women who were Mexican American (vs. non-Hispanic white), had ≥4 live births (vs. 1), had a family history of diabetes, or were obese (vs. normal weight) had a higher age-standardized prevalence of GDM (each p < 0.04). Among women with a history of GDM, 19.7% had a subsequent diagnosis of diabetes; subsequent diabetes diagnosis was higher for those with health insurance, more time since GDM diagnosis, greater parity, family history of diabetes, and obesity, and lower for those with higher education and income (all p ≤ 0.005). By logistic regression, significant factors associated with GDM were age at first birth, parity, family history of diabetes, and obesity; significant factors for subsequent diabetes were older age, greater years since GDM diagnosis, less education, family history of diabetes, and obesity (each p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GDM in the U.S. was 7.6%, with 19.7% of these women having a subsequent diabetes diagnosis. Women with a history of GDM, family history of diabetes, and obesity should be carefully monitored for dysglycemia.

Variations of dietary intake by glycemic status and Hispanic/Latino heritage in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

OBJECTIVE: A healthy diet is important for diabetes prevention and control; however, few studies have assessed dietary intake among US Hispanics/Latinos, a diverse population with a significant burden of diabetes. To address this gap in the literature, we determined intake of energy, macro/micronutrients, and vitamin supplements among Hispanics/Latinos by glycemic status and heritage. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adults aged 18-74 years from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008-2011) with complete baseline data on glycemic status and two 24-hour dietary recalls (n=13 089). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted measures of intake were determined by glycemic status and heritage. RESULTS: Mean age-adjusted and sex-adjusted energy intake was significantly lower among Hispanics/Latinos with diagnosed diabetes compared with those with normal glycemic status (1665 vs 1873 kcal, P<0.001). Fiber intake was higher among those with diagnosed diabetes versus normal glycemic status (P<0.01). Among those with diagnosed diabetes, energy intake was highest among those with Cuban heritage compared with most other heritage groups (P<0.01 for all, except Mexicans), but there was no difference after additional adjustment. Fiber intake was significantly lower for those of Cuban heritage (vs Dominican, Central American, and Mexican), and sodium intake was significantly higher (vs all other heritage groups) (P<0.01 for all); findings were null after additional adjustment. There was no difference in supplemental intake of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, or potassium by glycemic status. CONCLUSIONS: As part of the care of Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes, attention should be made to fiber and sodium consumption.

Changes in Health Insurance Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act: A National Sample of U.S. Adults With Diabetes, 2009 and 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To assess national changes in health insurance coverage and related costs before and after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) among U.S. adults with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were cross-sectional from the 2009 and 2016 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). Participants were adults age ≥18 years with a previous diagnosis of diabetes who self-reported on their health insurance coverage, demographic information, diabetes-related factors, and amount spent on medical expenses and insurance premiums (N = 6,220). RESULTS: Among adults with diabetes age 18-64 years, health insurance coverage increased from 84.7% in 2009 to 90.1% in 2016 (P < 0.001). Coverage remained near universal for those age ≥65 years (99.5%). For adults age 18-64 years, coverage increased for almost all subgroups and significantly for men; non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics; those who were married; those with less than or more than a high school education, family income <$35,000, or diabetes duration <5 or >15 years; and those taking oral agents (P < 0.05 for all). Among adults age 18-64 years, Medicaid coverage significantly increased between 2009 and 2016 (19.4% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.006), and for those with private insurance, 7.8% acquired their plan through HealthCare.gov. For adults age ≥65 years, private insurance decreased and Medicare Part D increased (P < 0.007 for both). Among those age 18-64 years with an income <$35,000, the proportion of income spent on family medical costs decreased (6.3% vs. 4.8% for 2009 vs. 2016, respectively; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Health insurance coverage among adults with diabetes age 18-64 years increased significantly after implementation of the ACA, and medical costs to families decreased among those with lower incomes.

Cardiometabolic health in Asians with diabetes in the US.

AIMS: Asians develop diabetes at lower levels of adiposity than people of other race/ethnicities. However, there is limited data investigating the health of US Asians with diabetes. We compared cardiovascular risk factors in US Asians to other race/ethnicities stratified by diabetes status. METHODS: Among 4645 adults in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional survey of the US population, odds ratios were calculated for obesity, hypertension, and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol associated with race/ethnicity after adjustment for age, sex, income, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and health insurance. RESULTS: Overall and stratified by diabetes status, non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican-Americans were significantly more likely to be obese compared to non-Hispanic Asians after adjustment. Overall and stratified by diabetes status, adjusted levels of hypertension compared to non-Hispanic Asians was generally similar for non-Hispanic whites and Mexican-Americans and generally more common among non-Hispanic blacks; among those with diagnosed diabetes, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.48 (0.79-2.77), 2.54 (1.49-4.30), and 1.38 (0.73-2.60) for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican-Americans, respectively. Overall and stratified by diabetes status, elevated LDL cholesterol levels were generally similar between non-Hispanic Asians and other race/ethnicities; among those with diagnosed diabetes, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.88 (0.32-2.43), 0.58 (0.24-1.42), and 1.15 (0.29-4.58) for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican-Americans, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although non-Hispanic Asians had lower levels of adiposity compared to other race/ethnicities with diabetes, their adjusted levels of hypertension and LDL cholesterol were generally more comparable.

HEMOGLOBIN A1C, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND LDL-CHOLESTEROL CONTROL AMONG HISPANIC/LATINO ADULTS WITH DIABETES: RESULTS FROM THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDY/STUDY OF LATINOS (HCHS/SOL).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes who meet target hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure (BP), and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) recommendations, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and statin medication use by heritage and sociodemographic and diabetes-related characteristics. METHODS: Data were cross-sectional, collected between 2008 and 2011, and included adults age 18 to 74 years who reported a physician diagnosis of diabetes in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (N = 2,148). Chi-square tests compared the prevalence of hemoglobin A1c, BP, and LDL-C targets and ACE/ARB and statin use across participant characteristics. Predictive margins regression was used to determine the prevalence adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of A1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol), BP <130/80 mm Hg, and LDL-C <100 mg/dL was 43.0, 48.7, and 36.6%, respectively, with 8.4% meeting all three targets. Younger adults aged 18 to 39 years with diabetes were less likely to have A1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) or LDL-C <100 mg/dL compared to those aged 65 to 74 years; younger adults were more likely to have BP <130/80 mm Hg (P<.05 for all). Individuals of Mexican heritage were significantly less likely to have A1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) compared to those with Cuban heritage, but they were more likely to have BP <130/80 mm Hg compared to those with Dominican, Cuban, or Puerto Rican heritage (P<.05 for all); there was no difference in LDL-C by heritage. Overall, 38.2% of adults with diabetes were taking a statin, and 50.5% were taking ACE/ARB medications. CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin A1c, BP, and LDL-C control are suboptimal among Hispanic/Latinos with diabetes living in the U.S. With 8.4% meeting all three recommendations, substantial opportunity exists to improve diabetes control in this population. ABBREVIATIONS: A1c = hemoglobin A1c; ABC = hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol; ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme; ADA = American Diabetes Association; ARB = angiotensin receptor blocker; BMI = body mass index; BP = blood pressure; CHD = coronary heart disease; CVD = cardiovascular disease; HCHS/SOL = Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos; LDL-C = low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol; NHANES = National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; PAD = peripheral artery disease.

Why Are Diabetes Medications So Expensive and What Can Be Done to Control Their Cost?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purposes of this study were to describe how medication prices are established, to explain why antihyperglycemic medications have become so expensive, to show trends in expenditures for antihyperglycemic medications, and to highlight strategies to control expenditures in the USA. RECENT FINDINGS: In the U.S., pharmaceutical manufacturers set the prices for new products. Between 2002 and 2012, expenditures for antihyperglycemic medications increased from $10 billion to $22 billion. This increase was primarily driven by expenditures for insulin which increased sixfold. The increase in insulin expenditures may be attributed to several factors: the shift from inexpensive beef and pork insulins to more expensive genetically engineered human insulins and insulin analogs, dramatic price increases for the available insulins, physician prescribing practices, policies that limit payers' abilities to negotiate prices, and nontransparent negotiation of rebates and discounts. The costs of antihyperglycemic medications, especially insulin, have become a barrier to diabetes treatment. While clinical interventions to shift physician prescribing practices towards lower cost drugs may provide some relief, we will ultimately need policy interventions such as more stringent requirements for patent exclusivity, greater transparency in medication pricing, greater opportunities for price negotiation, and outcomes-based pricing models to control the costs of antihyperglycemic medications.

Intensive glycemic control in younger and older U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To determine the extent to which older vs. younger adults with diabetes intensively control glycemia. METHODS: Participants were age≥40years who self-reported a physician diagnosis of diabetes in the 2009-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (N=1554). Intensive glycemic control was defined as A1c<7.0% and taking insulin, sulfonylureas, or ≥2 glycemic medications. Logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds of intensive control in older (≥65years) vs. younger adults (age 40-64years). RESULTS: The prevalence of intensive control was greater for older (33.4%) vs. younger (21.3%) adults (p<0.001). In logistic regression, intensive control was significantly higher in older vs. younger adults after fully adjusting for sociodemographics, diabetes duration, comorbidities, disability, use of multiple medications, and depression (OR=1.72, 1.09-2.69). The multivariable adjusted prevalence of intensive control was 40% higher in adults ≥75years (35.6%) compared to adults 40-49years (21.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults are being treated more aggressively than younger adults to achieve A1c<7.0% despite the presence of comorbidities, duration of diabetes, disability, and depression. Glycemic guidelines for individualized therapy are not being widely followed.