The government has released results of a nationwide survey of preventive care practices among people with diabetes, and the levels are lower than the objectives set for the nation for the year 2010. (See Table)

Preventive Measure	Goal for 2010	Current Level
Dilated eye exam once a year	75%	47 – 81%
Foot exam once a year	75%	42.4 – 69.4%
Monitor blood glucose at least once a day	60%	9.7 – 65.5%
HbA1c at least once a year	50%	16.9 – 42.4%

The data came from an ongoing random telephone survey of the US population by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data were included from the 40 states that had at least 2 years of data during the 1997-1999 period. Three states (Alaska, Maine, and Massachusetts) met the target for eye exams, and one state (Montana) met the self-monitoring target. No states met the foot exam or HbA1c target goals.

The government report points out that increasing the proportion of people with diabetes who receive each preventive measure could minimize diabetes-related complications and would reduce the morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with diabetes. It urges patients as well as healthcare providers, public health officials, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations to develop ways to deliver improved care to people with diabetes.

Are you receiving the 3 preventive measures that are recommended annually? How about self-monitoring of blood glucose at least once a day? Following these recommendations will go a long way toward helping you control your diabetes and preventing complications.

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Levels of Diabetes-Related Preventive-Care Practices - United States, 1997-1999. MMWR, 2000(Nov.);49:954-59.