Differences in complications, cardiovascular risk factor, and diabetes management among participants enrolled at veterans affairs (VA) and non-VA medical centers in the glycemia reduction approaches in diabetes: A comparative effectiveness study (GRADE)
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2-1-2022
Journal
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Volume
184
DOI
10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109188
Keywords
Cardiovascular disease; Chronic disease; Complications; Management; Risk factor; Type 2 diabetes
Abstract
Aims: We evaluated differences in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) enrolled in the GRADE study at VA vs non-VA sites, focusing on cardiovascular risk factors and rates of diabetes care target achievements. Methods: We compared baseline characteristics between participants at VA (n = 1216) and non-VA (n = 3831) sites, stratifying analyses by cardiovascular disease (CVD) history. Results: VA and non-VA participants had similar diabetes duration (4.0 years), HbA1c (7.5%), and BMI (34 kg/m2); however, VA participants had more individuals ≥ 65 years (37.3% vs 19.8%, p < 0.001), men (90.0% vs 55.2%, p < 0.001), hypertension (75.8% vs 63.6%, p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (76.6% vs 64.6%, p < 0.001), current smokers (19.0% vs 12.1%, p < 0.001), nephropathy (20.4% vs 17.0%, p < 0.05), albuminuria (18.4% vs 15.1%, p < 0.05), and CVD (10.4% vs 5.2%, p < 0.001). In those without CVD, more VA participants were treated with lipid (70.8% vs 59.5%, p < 0.001) and blood pressure (74.9% vs 65.4%, p < 0.001) lowering medications, and had LDL-C < 70 mg/dl (32.9% vs 24.2%, p < 0.05). Among those with CVD, more VA participants had BP < 140/90 (80.2% vs 70.1%, p < 0.05) after adjusting for demographics. Conclusion: GRADE participants at VA sites had more T2DM complications, greater CVD risk and were more likely to be treated with medications to reduce it, leading to more LDL-C at goal than non-VA participants, highlighting differences in diabetes populations and care.
APA Citation
Florez, Hermes J.; Ghosh, Alokananda; Pop-Busui, Rodica; Hox, Sophia H.; Underkofler, Chantal; McKee, M. Diane; Park, Jean; Rhee, Mary K.; Killean, Tina; Krause-Steinrauf, Heidi; Aroda, Vanita R.; and Wexler, Deborah J., "Differences in complications, cardiovascular risk factor, and diabetes management among participants enrolled at veterans affairs (VA) and non-VA medical centers in the glycemia reduction approaches in diabetes: A comparative effectiveness study (GRADE)" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 17.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/17