title: IMPROVEMENTS IN METABOLIC CONTROL IN ADULTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES FOLLOWING REFERRAL TO A DIABETES CENTER, 2005-2010.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to compare metabolic control in adults with diabetes in the general population to those newly referred to a diabetes center and after 1 year of specialty care.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective comparison of adults with diabetes aged ≥20 years data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 1,674) and a diabetes center (n = 3,128) from 2005-2010. NHANES participants represented the civilian, non-institutionalized U.S.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diabetes center referrals lived primarily around eastern Massachusetts. The proportion attaining targets for glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c), blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or all 3 (ABC control) and the proportion prescribed medications to lower A1c, BP, or cholesterol were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the general sample, a smaller proportion of new diabetes center referrals had A1c <7% (<53 mmol/mol, 24% vs. 53%, P<.001), BP <130/80 mm Hg (38% vs. 50%, P<.001), and ABC control (5.6% vs. 17%, P<.001) but not LDL<100 mg/dL (<2.6 mmol/L, 54% vs. 53%, P = .65). After 1 year, more diabetes center referrals attained targets for A1c (40%), BP (38%), LDL (67%), and ABC control (15%) (P<.001 for all versus baseline). ABC control was not different between the general sample and diabetes center referrals at 1 year (P = .16). After 1 year, a greater percentage of diabetes center referrals compared to the general sample were prescribed medications to lower glucose (95% vs. 72%), BP (79% vs. 64%), and cholesterol (77% vs. 54%)(all P<.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared to the general population, glycemic control was significantly worse for adults newly referred to the diabetes center. Within 1 year of specialty care, ABC control increased 270% in the setting of significant therapy escalation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A1c = glycated hemoglobin A1c ABC = composite of A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol ACEi = angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ARB = angiotensin receptor blocker BMI = body mass index BP = blood pressure EHR = electronic health record LDL = low-density lipoprotein NCHS = National Center for Health Statistics NHANES = National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey PCP = primary care provider.
authors.forename: Sanjeev N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Allison B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Goldfine
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Abrahamson
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: McMullen
authors.forename: Lori M B
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Laffel