(P118) Relationships between HbA1c and Diabetes Management Practices: NHANES Data, 2007 - 2018

Key Takeaways of Your Research: 1) NHANES data between 2007 and 2018 showed that lower HbA1c levels had a significant association with reduced intake of fat/calories in those with diabetes. 2) NHANES data between 2007 and 2018 showed that lower HbA1c levels had a significant association with insulin use in those with diabetes. 3) Diabetes care and education specialists are at the heart of continuous large-scale public health campaigns, disseminating the messages on effective diabetes management practices.

Background/Purpose: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) updates the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes annually, aiming to implement the most up-to-date evidence into clinical practice. While previous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) studies have evaluated the relationships between HbA1c levels and mortality rates, no NHANES studies have shown the relationships between HbA1c levels and specific diabetes management practices. Research Hypothesis and/or Research Questions and Specific

Aims: This study investigates the relationships between diabetes-related clinical practices and HbA1c levels in adults with diabetes using the publicly available NHANES data sets. Adults with diabetes who followed the recommended diabetes clinical practices might exhibit a significant association with their glycemic levels at the population level. Methods/Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on data sets collected between 2007 and 2018. Logistic regression models were constructed, adjusting/controlling for covariates to examine the relationships between diabetes management practices and HbA1c levels. STATA Basic Edition 17.0 was utilized for data analysis, employing the population survey mode.

Results: Our analyses included 4,623 individuals’ data with an average age of 62 years (SD 0.19), representing 18,925,857 people. Of these individuals, 33.8% were non-Hispanic Whites, 26.9% non-Hispanic Blacks, 17.4% Mexican Americans, 10.7% other Hispanics, and 11.3% of other race. NHANES respondents who reported reducing intake of fat/calories were 2.39 times (OR) more likely to achieve a lower HbA1c level ( < 9%) (95% CI, 1.25 - 4.55; p = 0.011). In addition, NHANES respondents who reported taking insulin were 32.45 times (OR) more likely to achieve a lower HbA1c level (95% CI, 25.0 - 42.07; p < 0.001). Conclusions (Impact on Diabetes Care and Education): Each of these significant findings points to a key component in diabetes management (e.g., nutrition and medication), reinforcing the continuous large-scale public health campaigns are needed to strengthen the existing messages to people with diabetes for effective disease management. Diabetes care and education specialists are at the heart of this work. Source of Funding for this Research: No funding. Authors: Cherry Myung, MS, Graduate of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, H. Eduardo Velasco, MD, PhD, MS, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clipper F. Young PharmD, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCGP, APh, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine.