Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among working age adults. An annual eye exam allows for early detection and prompt treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
In Virginia, in 2005, 65.5% of adults with diabetes received an annual eye exam.
Foot Exam
According to the .CDC, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations. Persons with diabetes should have a comprehensive foot exam annually that includes checking pulses and sensation, evaluating general foot structure, and checking skin and nails for abnormalities.
In Virginia, in 2005, 72.9% of adults with diabetes received an annual foot exam.
Hemoglobin A1c
According to the CDC, glycemic control is essential for preventing diabetes-related complications. Hemoglobin A1c exams provide information on blood sugar levels over the prior two to three months. This indicator provides information about the quality of diabetes care provided and/or the quality of diabetes self-management. A hemoglobin A1c test (A1c) is a blood test performed by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional in a clinical setting. The test estimates the average amount of sugar in your blood over a three month period of time; this test is not the same as a daily blood sugar test performed at home.
In Virginia, in 2005, 76.2% of adults with diabetes had their A1c check at least twice per year.
Influenza Vaccination
Persons with diabetes are considered high-risk for having major complications if they contract the influenza (flu) virus. Persons with diabetes who are 65 years-old or older, are at risk for dying from the influenza virus. Thus, all persons with diabetes are encouraged to receive annual influenza vaccines.
In Virginia, in 2005, 48.3% of adults with diabetes received a flu vaccine.
Pnuemococcal Vaccination
Persons with diabetes are at increased risk of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality associated with pneumonia.
Unlike the influenza vaccine, the pnuemococcal vaccine is not an annual vaccine. The recommendation for pnuemococcal is that a person with diabetes receives the vaccine at least once in their lifetime.
Persons with diabetes over age 65 are at highest risk for dying from pneumonia and may have to receive a booster if hospitalized and had been given the vaccine much earlier.
In Virginia, in 2005, 48.6% of adults with diabetes reported ever having received a pnuemococcal vaccine.
Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (blood sugar) is important for assessing treatment effectiveness and to inform nutrition therapy, physical activity, and medications to achieve the best possible glucose control. Persons with diabetes should check their blood glucose levels at least once daily.
In Virginia, in 2005, 62.1% of adults with diabetes reported performing daily blood glucose checks.
Progress on Diabetes Management Practices with Associated Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) Goals, Virginia 1995-2005
Sources: *Goal being revised to twice per year; Healthy People 2010- www.healthypeople.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DDTSTRS/statePage.aspx?state=Virginia#PCP Data notes: Three-year averages were used to improve the precision of the annual estimates. Two-year averages were used when three years of data were not available; vaccination questions were asked every other year prior to 2001; rates are age-adjusted.
Diabetes Prevention and Control Project
109 Governor St, DCDPC 10th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 864-7877 Fax Phone: (804) 864-7880
Virginia Diabetes Indicators Database 
