Changes in Receiving Preventive Care Services Among US Adults With Diabetes, 1997-2007

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires complex continuing medical care and patient self-management to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Receipt of multiple recommended preventive care services can prevent or delay diabetes-related complications such as blindness and lower-extremity amputations. METHODS: We analyzed 1997 and 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine change in rates of adults with diabetes receiving 4 essential preventive care services (influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations and annual foot and eye examinations). RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted rate of receiving all 4 of the preventive care services was 10% in 1997 but increased to 20% in 2007. Rates for receiving all 4 services increased significantly in all demographic subgroups except Hispanics. CONCLUSION: Use of preventive care services is increasing, but most US adults with diabetes do not meet recommendations, and the problem is particularly pronounced among Hispanics. The need to receive preventive care services should continue to be emphasized in clinical and community settings to increase the percentage of adults with diabetes who receive them.