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Nashville's Diabetes Health May Be In Jeopardy: Over 70% Of Type 2 Diabetics In A Study Missed Blood Sugar Target

Posted on: Thursday, 10 November 2005, 09:00 CST

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- New data released today revealed that from 2003 to 2004, nearly three out of four (over 70%) type 2 diabetics in Nashville who were analyzed in a recent study were not in control of their blood sugar -- failing to meet the A1C goal of 6.5% or less, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' (AACE's) "State of Diabetes in America" Report. Calling Nashville residents into action, a proclamation declaring the week of November 14th "Diabetes Control Week," has been issued by Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell.

Approximately 392,000 people in Tennessee are diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, accounts for 90 to 95% of all diagnosed diabetes cases. The A1C test, typically taken in a healthcare professional's office, measures a person's average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months. It complements the daily blood sugar monitoring that type 2 diabetics conduct on their own. AACE recommends an A1C target level of 6.5% or less to ensure good diabetes management. This is important since every 1% increase above 6% elevates a person's risk of serious -- and potentially life-threatening -- diabetes-related complications, such as stroke, heart attack and loss of limbs.

"Despite major advances in diabetes care and the variety of tools available to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition, this Report suggests that Nashville's type 2 diabetes population may be struggling to control their blood sugar levels," said Andrea Hayes, MD, of The Hayes Endocrine & Diabetes Center and an AACE member. "Type 2 diabetes is of urgent concern and these findings must serve as a wake-up call that more needs to be done to help manage type 2 diabetes and lower A1C levels in Nashville. We need to provide people with the right tools and encouragement to take control."

In addition to getting the free A1C test, AACE is urging Nashville residents with type 2 diabetes to join others in taking an "oath" to better manage their diabetes. For more information and to receive a free diabetes- friendly cookbook and brochure, residents can visit http://www.stateofdiabetes.com/ or call (800) 704-4694.

"This week is an important week for all people of Nashville. Type 2 diabetes is a serious health concern for many of our neighbors and loved ones -- but the good news is that we can do something about it," said state Senator Thelma Harper (D-Nashville). "I urge all of our constituents affected by type 2 diabetes in Nashville to take decisive action during "Diabetes Control Week" by striving for lower A1C levels. The message is clear -- residents of Nashville should make a conscientious effort to better control their blood sugar levels."

About A1C

The "State of Diabetes in America" Report offers critical information about blood sugar control throughout the United States, as measured by the A1C test. It is important that type 2 diabetics speak with their doctor or other healthcare professional about setting their own personal A1C goal. Meal planning, regular physical activity, and if needed, medicine, alone or in combination, are the cornerstones to achieving A1C goals. When diet and exercise alone are not enough to reach A1C goals, one or more medications may be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels.

About the Campaign

The "State of Diabetes in America: Striving for Better Control" public awareness campaign is designed to improve diabetes management in the U.S. by providing type 2 diabetics the tools to help them control blood sugar levels and giving them an easy-to-understand "road map" for successful diabetes management. The key principles of the campaign center around what type 2 diabetics can do to get their blood sugar numbers down.

About the Campaign Sponsors

AACE is a professional medical organization consisting of over 5,200 practicing clinical endocrinologists devoted to furthering patient care in the field of endocrinology. AACE is committed to transforming the lives of patients by enabling one another to practice leading edge, proactive, ethical and cost effective medicine. All members of AACE are fully licensed physicians and fully trained in endocrinology. The majority are board certified in internal medicine and subspecialty certified in adult or pediatric endocrinology. AACE members are recognized clinicians and educators, and many are affiliated with medical schools and universities. Members contribute on a regular and continuing basis to the scientific literature on endocrine diseases and conduct medical education programs on this subject. For more information on AACE, please visit http://www.aace.com/ or http://www.powerofprevention.com/.

GlaxoSmithKline has provided funding and other support to AACE for the "State of Diabetes in America: Striving for Better Control" campaign. GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

CONTACT: Sarah Bradley, of American Association of ClinicalEndocrinologists, +1-904-353-7878 Ext. 136; or Lisa Martins, of Cohn & WolfeHealthcare, Cell: +1-917-292-0905, Office: +1-212-798-9819

Web site: http://www.stateofdiabetes.com/http://www.powerofprevention.com/http://www.aace.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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