The Buzz: ADA guidelines outperform the updated USPSTF approach to screening for diabetes
Citation: A Sheehy et. al. Analysis of Guidelines for Screening Diabetes Mellitus un an Ambulatory Population. Mayo Clinic Proc. January 2010; 85(1):27-35
Summary: Of the estimated 25 million Americans currently with diabetes, approximately 40% continue to be undiagnosed, and determining the most effective screening method may prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) have issued vastly different guidelines for screening for diabetes. This retrospective study included 28,842 patients from a large, Midwestern primary care practice, comparing the performance of both approaches to screening. The study found that adhering to USPSTF guidelines would have identified 33% fewer new cases of diabetes, and the authors recommended using the ADA guidelines due to their superior performance. One caveat is the population of patients under 45 who are non-obese with hypertension, for whom the USPSTF recommends screening and the ADA guidelines do not. Study authors point out this is an important group to screen as well. The study also found that a history of pre-diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome conferred the highest risks for developing diabetes.
Commentary: This study suggests we combine USPSTF and ADA guidelines in an effort to identify more cases of diabetes.
By: Maxwell Jen, MSIII & Spencer Blackman, MD
Posts
