CHRISTUS Medical Group Quality Measures
Diabetes Management - A1C Test
Why is this important?
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million adults and children (7 percent of the U.S. population) who have diabetes. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 6.2 million, or nearly one-third are unaware they even have the disease.
Diabetes is the fifth deadliest disease in the United States. If the present trends continue, one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious complications. It is the leading cause of kidney failure and new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age, and adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about two to four times higher than adults without diabetes. The risk for stroke is also two to four times higher among people with diabetes.
Good diabetes management can help reduce these risks.
Who needs an A1C test?
This measure applies to CMG’s Family Practice and Internal Medicine providers (physicians, nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants). Twice a year, CMG audits patient charts to ensure that patients ages 18 to 75 who have been diagnosed with diabetes for at least six months have had an A1c test in the last six months. The goal is an average hemoglobin A1C level below 7.5 percent. The current score listed is based on the June 2008 audit.
An A1C (also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c) test presents a picture of a patient’s average blood glucose control for the past 2 to 3 months. The results give the provider a good idea of how well the patient’s diabetes treatment plan is working. A single blood test can give the physician an idea of the patient’s blood glucose control only at that time, but an A1C test gives a better picture of overall blood sugar control. For more information about A1C tests, visit the American Diabetes Association’s Website here.
