Predictors of Screening and Pre-Diabetes in Montana Adults

Objective: To assess the independent predictors of self-reported diabetes screening, pre-diabetes and weight loss in Montana adults. Setting: Montana

Methods: In 2008, the BRFSS survey added a module to assess the prevalence of diabetes screening and pre-diabetes. Logistic regression analysis was used to find independent predictors of reporting diabetes screening, being told to have pre-diabetes by a health care professional (HCP) and having lost weight in the past year.

Results: Fifty two percent of adults reported blood glucose screening in the past 3 years. Age, sex, marital status, BMI, health coverage and education were independent predictors of reporting screening for diabetes. Five percent of Montana adults report being told they have pre-diabetes by a HCP. Age, sex, BMI, education, asthma, cardiovascular disease, smoking and having had blood glucose screening were independent predictors of reporting pre-diabetes. Persons reporting pre-diabetes were more likely to be given advice to lose weight by a HCP. Persons reporting pre-diabetes were not more likely to be taking actions to control their weight. Regardless of pre-diabetes status, persons who had been given advice about their weight by a HCP were more likely to have lost weight in the past year.

Conclusion: The reported prevalence of pre-diabetes in Montana is much lower than the 25% predicted by NHANES. Receiving advice about weight loss from a HCP was significantly associated with taking steps to lose weight and having lost weight in the past year.