Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Show Suboptimal Diabetes Screening Rates

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often have an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Unfortunately, this does not mean that this group is taking the appropriate steps to screen. According to a study published in The Journal of Rheumatology and a report in the Rheumatology Advisor, patients with RA have suboptimal rates of compliance with guidelines for diabetes screening — and little difference compared to the general population. 

Patients with #rheumatoidarthritis have suboptimal rates of compliance with guidelines for #diabetes screening. Read more. https://t.co/l14lDYyAwY

— Rheumatology Advisor (@RheumAdvisor) August 9, 2018

Diabetes Screening Rates Suboptimal Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis https://t.co/nGMaEm69jn via @RheumAdvisor @jrheum

— The Journal of Rheumatology (@jrheum) August 8, 2018

In this first longitudinal study of a population-based RA cohort, patients enrolled in the study consistent were all prevalent RA cases in British Columbia between 1996 and 2006; they were followed until 2010 (n=22,634) . Data of the RA patient cases were compared to general population guidelines (excluding individuals with previous diabetes; [n=22,579]). Compliance was measured with the percentage of 3-year eligibility follow-up periods with ≥1 plasma glucose test performed. The odds ratio (OR) of compliance in participants with RA compared with the general population using generalized estimating equation models were calculated and adjusted for factors such as age and sex. 

#FDHACares #Tips4Diabetes Despite having an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have suboptimal rates of compliance with guidelines for diabetes screening https://t.co/ALPAQXurLY

— The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (@TheFDHA) August 7, 2018

Results of the study showed that participants with RA met recommended screening guidelines in 71.4% of the eligible periods, compared with 70.6% in the general population. “Compliance with general population guidelines for diabetes screening in RA was sub-optimal, with little difference relative to the general population, despite a higher risk of CVD and diabetes,” the researchers concluded.  

For more about rheumatoid arthritis, check out an article on if your patient actually has rheumatoid arthritis or a disease mimicking it. 

SOURCE: Rheumatology Advisor, The Journal of Rheumatology