Diabetes in Hawaii: estimating prevalence from insurance claims data.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Hawaii from insurance claims data.


METHODS
Information from two major health plans covering approximately 66% of the state's population was used to estimate prevalence rates by sex, age group, and geographic area. Weighted multiple linear regression was applied to identify predictors of diabetes prevalence.


RESULTS
The statewide diabetes prevalence was estimated at 43.8 per 1000 persons. The ethnic composition of the population and rural residence partially explained the geographic variation in diabetes prevalence.


CONCLUSIONS
Insurance claims data may be a useful tool for population-based diabetes surveillance.
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Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, Honolulu 96813, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors