Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to implement a screening process within the primary care setting to promote early identification of prediabetes. The aim of this study is to implement a screening process utilized within family care clinics directed towards those who are at an increased risk for developing the disease. By doing so, these patients can then receive the necessary knowledge in order to prevent prediabetes.|Background: Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.) according to Healthy People 2020. Diabetes has become a major health issue in the U.S. as well as worldwide. As of 2014, it was estimated that there are 387 million people globally living with diabetes (International Diabetes Federation, 2014). In addition to those being diagnosed with diabetes there are another 86 million people worldwide who are considered prediabetic, having a hemoglobin A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 percent (National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease [NIDDK], 2014).|Conceptual Model: A theoretical framework that relates to the stated proposal is Pender’s Model of Health Promotion.|Methods: This is a quality improvement project focusing on the prevention for the prediabetic population ages 19 and older in the primary care setting. The CDC Prediabetes Screening tool will be implemented into two primary care clinics. Three chosen providers will administer this tool to adults ages 19 years and older without a known diagnosis of diabetes through a six week time period.|Results: Of the 62 total screenings that were completed, 46 participants (74%) screened positive for being at-risk for developing prediabetes. The results concluded that ≈26% (16 individuals) scored less than three placing them at a low risk of developing diabetes. Approximately 23% (14 individuals) scored between three and eight meaning their risk is low for having prediabetes. Approximately 52% (32 individuals) scored greater than nine identifying as being at high for having prediabetes warranting further intervention.|Conclusion: Diabetes is a disease that can progress into greater health problems, and is an issue that should be addressed before the criteria is even present to make the diagnosis. Preventative measures play a major role in the fight against the growing diabetic epidemic. As health care providers it is imperative that we educate patients who meet the criteria for prediabetes in order to prevent advancement of the disease.