Identification of diabetic complications among minority populations.
OBJECTIVE
In consideration of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, multiple factors related to levels of long-term glycemic control, and complex causes of racial disparities across a variety of chronic conditions, patterns of admissions and complications related to diabetes by ethnicity were explored to develop a more clear understanding of underlying causes of disparities.


METHODS
Using the 2003 National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed the correlation between the primary diagnosis and the likelihood that the condition represented poorly controlled diabetes or a diabetes-related complication.


RESULTS
Minorities were more likely to be admitted through the emergency department and for a condition directly related to diabetes progression. Further, minorities were more likely to be admitted for acute hyperglycemia and acute hypoglycemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions that address root causes of disparities related to diabetes and other conditions, such as care-seeking behaviors and ease of access to primary care providers, are keys to eliminating ethnic disparities.
Department of Health Care Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-3023, USA. jay.shen@unlv.edu
Jay J
JJ
Shen
Elmer L
EL
Washington
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000208:ethnology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000208:ethnology; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000208:ethnology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology