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Community-based screening for cardiovascular disease and diabetes using HbA1c

Taneisha Grant1, Yukmila Soriano, Paul R Marantz

  • 1Departments of Medicine, Family Medicine, and Epidemiology and Population Health, Jacobi Medical Center, North Central Bronx Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|April 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Community screenings effectively identified undiagnosed diabetes and at-risk individuals in urban immigrant populations. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) proved a valuable tool for detecting diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Community Health
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Inner-city immigrant and mixed-ethnic communities face high risks for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • These populations may have limited access to preventive healthcare services.
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was investigated as a potential screening tool for diabetes and related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of HbA1c screening in a community-based program.
  • To identify new cases of diabetes and individuals at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • To analyze the correlation between HbA1c levels and other health indicators.

Main Methods:

  • Screenings conducted in diverse community settings (churches, shelters, street corners) in the Bronx.
  • Collected data included HbA1c, random glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, BMI, age, and ethnicity.
  • Analyzed data for diabetes prevalence (HbA1c ≥7%) and risk (HbA1c 6%-6.99%), and associations with other variables.

Main Results:

  • Out of 539 participants, 11.4% had HbA1c >7% (undiagnosed diabetes) and 32% had HbA1c >6% (at risk).
  • HbA1c correlated more strongly with cardiovascular risk factors (cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, BMI) than random glucose.
  • Higher HbA1c levels were observed in the South Bronx, correlating with higher poverty rates.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and individuals at risk was found in this urban community setting.
  • Community-based HbA1c screening is an effective method for identifying high-risk individuals in diverse inner-city populations.
  • HbA1c screening can facilitate early detection and intervention for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Abstract

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