Study: Asian Americans Often Not Screened for Diabetes, Despite Guidelines

Only 47.1% of Asian Americans who should be screened for type 2 diabetes are tested, according to the results of a recent study.

Although Asian Americans have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, rates of screening among this population are not well known.
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To explore this, researchers analyzed pooled cross-sectional data from 45 US states and territories using the 2012-2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The analysis included 526,000 adults eligible for diabetes screening according to current 2012-2014 American Diabetes Association guidelines. Receipt of diabetes screening was measured using self-reporting.

Overall, Asian Americans were the least likely racial or ethnic group to receive recommended screening, with 34% lower adjusted odds of receiving screening compared with non-Hispanic whites. Disparities were widest among obese Asian Americans 45 years old or older.

“Despite their high risk of diabetes, Asian Americans were the least likely racial and ethnic group to receive recommended diabetes screening,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Tung EL, Baig AA, Huang ES, Laiteerapong N, Chua K. Racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes screening between Asian Americans and other adults: BRFSS 2012–2014 [published online November 15, 2016]. doi:10.1007/s11606-016-3913-x.