Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have reported significant improvements in managing severe diabetes-related complications among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults with Type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough is attributed to recent advancements in diabetes treatment, particularly the reduction of medications associated with severe side effects, such as dangerously low blood sugar, which often leads to emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
The findings come from a retrospective analysis of nearly 40,000 AI/AN adults who utilized Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tribal health services between 2009 and 2013. The study, led by Dr. Luohua Jiang, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at UC Irvine’s Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, revealed that improved prescribing practices and better management of acute complications contributed to a notable decrease in hospital visits due to severe diabetes-related events.
The research, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, highlights how the shift toward safer anti-diabetic medications, such as metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, and safer insulin subtypes, played a critical role. These medications are less likely to cause hypoglycemia, a common complication of older treatments like sulfonylureas and TZDs. The study also found that the introduction of individualized blood sugar level targets, team-based case management, and increased awareness among both healthcare providers and patients helped reduce the occurrence of these complications.
Dr. Jiang emphasized that the results reflect a growing focus on personalized care for the AI/AN population, an underserved group with a heavy diabetes burden. “These trends show a commitment to adopting newer, safer therapeutic options, which has significantly reduced the risk of severe blood sugar fluctuations,” Jiang said.
The study underscores the importance of tailored healthcare interventions and ongoing surveillance in improving diabetes management, particularly in underserved communities. It provides valuable insights into how a combination of medication adjustments and improved care practices can help mitigate diabetes complications and enhance patient outcomes.
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