Effects of Routine Checkups and Chronic Conditions on Middle-Aged Patients with Diabetes

Purpose. Middle-aged males and females with diabetes are more likely to have poor physical (PH) and mental health (MH); however, there is limited research determining the relationship between MH and PH and routine check-up in diabetic middle-aged adults, especially by gender. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PH and MH status differ by routine check-up in middle-aged (age 45-64) adults with diabetes in the general population. Methods. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2017 BRFSS conducted by the CDC for adults aged 45-64 who reported having diabetes in Florida (N = 1183), Kentucky (N = 617), Maryland (N = 731), New York (N = 593), and Ohio (N = 754). Multiple logistic regression by state and gender was used to determine the relationship between MH and PH status and routine check-up while controlling for health-related, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Results. Across states, up to one-half reported good PH (32-50%), over one-half reported good MH (46-67%), and most reported having a routine check-up (87-93%). Adjusted analysis indicated that MH and PH were not significantly related to routine check-up, but both were inversely related to having diabetes plus two other health conditions. Conclusions. Overall, routine check-up was not related to good PH and MH in this target population; however, a number of health conditions were inversely related to good PH and MH status. In a primary care setting for this target population, there may be a low to moderate prevalence of good PH and MH and a high prevalence of having a routine check-up and having multiple health conditions. It is recommended to automatically screen this target population for PH, MH, other chronic conditions, and physical activity and treat concurrently.