Exercise 24: Diabetes Affects A Growing Number Of Americans

Exercise 24 Diabetes Affects A Growing Number Of Americans An Aprn W

Exercise 2.4 Diabetes affects a growing number of Americans. An APRN working in a local hospital is part of a collaborative of community agencies strategically addressing diabetes from a community perspective. 1. What social determinants of health should the community look at in relation to risk or incidence of diabetes? 2. What resources could the APRN use to identify different outcomes related to diabetes? 3. What outcomes related to diabetes are of most interest to community members? 4. Using the AHRQ’s Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report Data Query (nhqrnet.ahrq.gov/inhqrdr/data/submit), what related national and state level data are available to the APRN?

Paper For Above instruction

Diabetes mellitus continues to be a significant public health concern in the United States, with its prevalence steadily increasing across diverse populations. Addressing this chronic condition from a community perspective requires a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health, effective use of data resources, and engagement with community members to identify priorities. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a crucial role in this coordinated effort, utilizing data and community insights to inform interventions and improve health outcomes.

Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on Diabetes Risk

Social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors considerably influence the risk and incidence of diabetes within communities. Key determinants relevant to diabetes include socioeconomic status, education, access to healthcare, neighborhood and built environment, food security, and social cohesion. For example, lower-income populations often face barriers such as limited access to nutritious foods and safe spaces for physical activity, which are critical in diabetes prevention. Education levels impact health literacy, affecting the ability to manage diagnoses effectively. Moreover, residing in neighborhoods with limited healthcare facilities or high crime rates can hinder timely diagnosis and management, exacerbating disparities.

The social environment also influences behavioral risk factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking. Communities characterized by food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable healthy foods—are at higher risk of diet-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Recognizing these determinants allows the APRN and community agencies to tailor interventions that address root causes, such as improving access to nutritious foods, enhancing safety for outdoor activities, and increasing health literacy.

Resources to Identify Outcomes Related to Diabetes

To determine the impact of diabetes within a community, the APRN can leverage various resources that provide data on health outcomes. State and local health departments often publish surveillance reports and epidemiologic data that detail prevalence, incidence, and trend analyses. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) offers extensive data on health behaviors, including diabetes prevalence, management, and associated risk factors at state and county levels.

Additionally, electronic health records (EHRs) serve as valuable sources of real-time patient data, enabling tracking of glycemic control, complication rates, and healthcare utilization patterns. Community health assessments conducted by local health agencies often include thematic data clusters related to chronic diseases like diabetes, which can inform targeted interventions.

National databases, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Data and the National Diabetes Surveillance System, provide comprehensive insights into demographic disparities, comorbidities, and outcomes. These resources facilitate benchmarking and trend analysis, guiding community-specific strategies to reduce incidence and improve management.

Outcomes of Most Interest to Community Members

Understanding what outcomes matter most to community members is essential for effective engagement. Among these, reductions in diabetes-related complications—such as neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and amputations—are significant concerns. Improved blood glucose control, evidenced by lower HbA1c levels, is a primary outcome reflecting effective management. Additionally, community members may prioritize outcomes related to quality of life, such as increased physical activity, better nutritional habits, and reduced emotional stress associated with diabetes.

Preventive outcomes, including decreased incidence of new cases, are also of high interest, particularly in high-risk populations. Access to healthcare services, patient education, and support systems contribute to these outcomes, bridging gaps between clinical care and community well-being. Engagement initiatives that measure patient satisfaction and empowerment are equally vital, ensuring interventions resonate with the community’s priorities.

Utilization of AHRQ Data for Community Health Strategies

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers the Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, which supplies data at national and state levels. This dataset includes indicators such as diabetes screening rates, control and management metrics, hospitalizations for diabetes complications, and disparities among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

At the national level, the data reveal overarching trends in healthcare quality, disparities, and access issues, highlighting areas for targeted intervention. State-level data provide granular insights into geographic variations, enabling APRNs to identify high-risk areas needing focused programs. For example, states with higher hospitalization rates for diabetic emergencies may benefit from enhanced community screening and education campaigns.

By analyzing these data sources, the APRN can develop evidence-based programs tailored to community needs, monitor progress over time, and advocate for policies supporting equitable healthcare access. Data-driven decision-making ensures that resources are effectively allocated to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes related to diabetes.

Conclusion

Combating the rising prevalence of diabetes requires multidimensional approaches informed by social determinants, robust data, and community engagement. Recognizing the influence of factors such as socioeconomic status, education, environment, and access to healthcare allows APRNs and community agencies to develop targeted interventions. Employing resources like state health departments, EHR systems, CDC reports, and AHRQ data facilitates continuous monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. Ultimately, aligning community priorities with data insights promotes sustainable improvements in diabetes prevention and management, reducing disparities and enhancing quality of life.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2022. CDC.
  • Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19-31.
  • Ferdinand, K. C., et al. (2017). Health disparities in hypertension among African Americans. Journal of the National Medical Association, 109(2), 117-126.
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2023). Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report. AHRQ.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). National Diabetes Surveillance System. CDC.
  • Indian Health Service. (2020). Diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. IHS.
  • Huffman, L. G., et al. (2019). Social determinants of health and diabetes management. Diabetes Spectrum, 32(2), 74-81.
  • American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care, 46(Supplement 1), S1–S197.
  • Paasche-Orlow, M. K., & Wolf, M. S. (2010). The causal pathways linking health literacy to health outcomes. American Journal of Health Behavior, 34(1), 19-28.
  • Adler, N. E., & Newman, K. (2002). Socioeconomic disparities in health: Pathways and policies. Health Affairs, 21(2), 60-76.

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