[Study] Diabetes Tests Being Skipped by Young Adults and Teens

A significant number of children and young adults with diabetes may not be getting the routine tests recommended for managing the disease, according to a study recently reported in the journal Pediatrics.

Researchers involved in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study surveyed approximately 1,514 U.S. children, teens, and young adults with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and found the following:

• 32% didn’t receive hemoglobin A1C testing – bi-annual blood testing that gives doctors a snapshot of the patient’s blood sugar control is considered the key to managing diabetes long term.

• 34% of patients didn’t undergo the yearly recommended eye exam.

• Nearly 5% self-reported that they didn’t have their blood pressure checked at all or most visits.

• 12% self-reported that they didn’t have their lipid levels measured.

• 17% didn’t have their kidney function tested.

The research, while unable to fully answer why the younger generation is more likely to skip recommended testing, suggested that lack of insurance, a change in doctors, or simply the age of the patients could all be contributing factors to the problem.

Quality-of-care measures were based on ADA guidelines, the study authors said, adding that the results underscore the need for young patients to adhere to such recommendations in order to better manage their condition.

via DSN