Rate of Diabetes in Maricopa County, AZ

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well documented at the national, state, and even county level. Results are captured in the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a U.S. survey that collects data on disease rates and health-related risk behavior. The 2015 BRFSS audit revealed Arizona has an overall adult T2DM prevalence of 9.1%. Further, in Maricopa County, the region which includes the greater Phoenix area, the T2DM prevalence is higher at 10.8%. Conversely, there is limited data available on prediabetes rates in Maricopa County; therefore, we examined the rate of diabetes and prediabetes during community-partnered events as part of an educational “A1C initiative.” Basic demographic data as well as a fingerstick blood sample were obtained. HbA1c was measured with a hand-held monitor. 794 participants (272 men) were screened at 15 events from April 2016 to Sept 2017. The majority of participants were of Hispanic descent (54%). HbA1c results were categorized according to the ADA guidelines; normal (< 5.7%), prediabetes (5.7-6.4%) and diabetes (≥6.5%) ranges. Mean HbA1c for all participants was 6.0% +1.2%, with 16% and 35% falling in the diabetes and prediabetes ranges respectively. Diabetes and prediabetes rates for males and females were similar. By ethnicity, prediabetes was highest among African Americans (AA) (41%), followed by white non-Hispanics (35%) then Hispanics (33%). Despite AA having a higher diabetes rate at 21%, HbA1c was significantly higher in Hispanics vs. AA diabetes only subjects (8.6% +2.0 vs. 7.4% +1.4, p<0.001), suggesting worse glycemic control for the Hispanic group. In line with the national average of prediabetes prevalence at 33.9%, the overall rate we observed was similar, yet higher in certain groups. Notably, the diabetes rate was nearly double than that of the BRFSS report. The initiative provided vital (pre)diabetes awareness to Maricopa County residents. These findings were shared with our community partners, to aid in developing strategies to best assist those at risk of developing T2DM.