Comparing Characteristics of Vermonters Who Have Ever Taken a Diabetes Education Class, 2000-2002 and 2006-2008

Objective:The Percent of Vermonters who have ever taken a diabetes education class has risen from 45% in 2000-2002 to 54% in 2006-2008.  The Vermont DPCP is interested in knowing about the characteristics of both those now more likely to take an education course.   

Methods:Using the Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we compared the demographic and health characteristics of Vermonters with diabetes who have taken a diabetes education class from 2000-2002 and 2006-2008.  . 

Results:While in 2006-2008, those age 65+ were still not as likely to have taken a class than those under 65 (48% vs. 58%), the percent did rise compared to 2000-2002 (48% vs. 37%).   Those with less than a high school education were more likely to have taken a class in 2006-2008 (51% vs. 40%).  This rise in attendance was also in both men (57% vs. 48%) and women (51% vs. 43%).  When looking at BMI, those normal weight (52% vs. 42%), overweight (53% vs. 46%) and obese (55% vs. 47%) all were more likely to have taken a class, as were both current smokers (53% vs. 45%) and non-smokers (54% vs. 46%). 

Conclusion:The VT DPCP would like to increase the percentage of Vermonters with diabetes who have taken diabetes education classes.  But the VT DPCP is encouraged that certain populations either unlikely to take such classes or with less healthy lifestyles, such as those age 65+, those with less than a high school education, those who are obese or smokers have shown significant increases in attendance.