Private MD News

Diabetics often don't know important test scores

Category: Diabetes

Most diabetics do not know their most recent cholesterol test scores or results from other important health screenings, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care.

Doctors commonly recommend that diabetics know their ABC scores. This stands for A1c levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. Maintaining healthy scores in these three areas is considered an important part of avoiding cardiovascular complications, which are common among diabetics.

For the study, researchers examined survey data from 1,233 adults with diabetes. The results showed that 48 percent knew their A1c levels, 63 percent could say what their blood pressure was the last time it was tested and 22 percent could recall the results of their most recent cholesterol test.

The researchers said the findings highlight a clear opportunity for doctors to do more when it comes to educating diabetics about their health. Encouraging individuals to stay on top of their ABCs could help many individuals avoid potentially serious cardiovascular complications. Ensuring that A1c, blood pressure and cholesterol testing is a part of every diabetics standard care could play an important role in this.