Judith Aponte
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Diabetes Metab
Purpose: The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) investigate A1c levels for normoglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes prevalence in those with self-reported prediabetes; and (2) investigate A1c levels for prediabetes and diabetes in those with self-reported non-prediabetes (i.e., self-reportnot ever had prediabetes). Methods: The National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008 and NHANES 2009-2010 were utilized to examine and compare trends and differences among five ethnic groups (Mexican Americans, Other Hispanics, Non- Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks, Other/Multi-racials) among two groups: 1) with normoglycemic, prediabetic and diabetic A1c levels with self-reported prediabetes; and 2) with prediabetic and diabetic A1c levels in those with self-reported non-prediabetes. The sample includedonly those 20 years of age and older, who completed the diabetes questionnaire and had A1c levels drawn. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. Chi-squareswere performed for significant differences of normoglycemic, prediabetic and diabetic A1c levels in those with self-reported prediabetes, and in those with self-reported non-prediabetes. Results: Chi-square analysis showed significant differences when examining the different ranges of A1c levels (normoglycemic, prediabetic and diabetic) amongeach of the five ethnic groups (P≤ 0.0001- 0.0222). For all combined ethnic groups who selfreported not having prediabetes (non-prediabetes), 19.9% of those in NHANES 2007-2008 and 22.4% in NHANES 2009-2010 showed to have prediabeticA1c levels. On separately examining each of the five ethnic groups who self-reported not having prediabetes, all showed an increase in prediabeticA1c levels from NHANES 2007-2008 to NHANES 2009-2010. Conclusion: Pre diabetes awareness and educational programs are urgently needed.
Judith Aponte completed her PhD from Columbia University. She is an Associate Professor and coordinator of the Community/Public Health (MS) and Community/ Public Health/Urban Health (MS/MPH) programs at Hunter College, Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing. She also is a Doctoral faculty member at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. She has numerous published papers inpeer-reviewed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.
