Diabetes Screening Among Uninsured and Underinsured Patients Using Random Blood Glucose Samples as an Indicator

Presenter Information

Sara Hastings, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Julie Boll, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 253

Start Date

25-4-2005 1:15 PM

End Date

25-4-2005 3:15 PM

Student's Major

Family Consumer Science

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Sarah Klammer Kruse

Mentor's Department

Family Consumer Science

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

Diabetes is often referred to as a silent disease because patients may have few overt symptoms. Many patients who have Type 2 Diabetes may not be diagnosed for 7 to 10 years after the disease has begun. The purpose of this study was to assess the need for a routine screening process for diabetes among uninsured and underinsured patients in order to provide early intervention for glucose intolerance and diabetes. In a random blood glucose test the patient is not required to fast prior to the administration of the test. Glucose intolerance is defined as a fasting blood glucose test result in the range between 100 and 125 mg/dL or a non-fasting blood glucose test result between 140 and 199 mg/dL. If patients with glucose intolerance could be identified, intervention by diet and exercise may be able to delay the onset of diabetes. The outcome of this study will provide an indication of whether or not routine random blood glucose screening should be conducted on a regular basis at community health clinics.