Premium
Diabetes complication‐related healthcare utilization among low‐income older Medicare beneficiaries in need of food assistance
Author(s) -
Sattler Elisabeth Lilian Pia,
Lee Jung Sun,
Bhargava Vibha
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.839.3
Subject(s) - medicine , diabetes mellitus , health care , complication , environmental health , gerontology , family medicine , endocrinology , economics , economic growth
Little is known about diabetes management in low‐income older adults who are at high risk of diabetes and poor access to food assistance and healthcare. This study described factors associated with diabetes complication‐related healthcare utilization in low‐income older adults in need of meals services using data from the GA Advanced POMP and Medicare claims. Participants were Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of diabetes who requested meals services in GA in 2008 (n=246, mean age 74.1 ±7.8 years, 66.7% white, 76.4% female). Healthcare utilization was measured based on previously identified diabetes complications for 4 different types of medical services. About 81% used services for 1+ complication (range 0–18; median 3.0). Cardiovascular (62.6%), neuropathic (35.8%), and nephropathic (30.5%) complications were most prevalent. Age <75 years, being male, poor self‐reported health, and requesting home delivered meals were associated with a higher level of diabetes complication‐related healthcare utilization. In multivariate analyses, only age <75 years remained a significant factor (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2, 3.1). As participants <75 years were more likely food insecure and receiving subsidies for healthcare and medications, more research is warranted to better understand their healthcare needs, access, utilization, and outcomes related to diabetes management. This study was funded by UGA and GA DAS.