Glycemic control in diabetic American Indians. Longitudinal data from the Strong Heart Study.

Abstract

Glycemic control was poor among diabetic American Indians participating in the Strong Heart Study. Women, patients taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, and younger individuals had the worst control of all the participants. Baseline HbA1c, and weight loss predicted worsening of control, whereas insulin therapy predicted improvement in control. Additional therapies and/or approaches are needed to improve glycemic control in this population.