Effectiveness of Provider Education Concerning Prediabetes Treatment in Mississippi

Prediabetes is defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as having an A1C of 5.7-6.4% or a fasting plasma glucose of 100-125 mg/dl. Prediabetes greatly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (ADA, 2019). The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to determine if providing education to PCPs, practicing in MS, regarding the implementation of a prediabetes treatment algorithm improved their knowledge and implementation of the ADA guidelines. The intention was to bring increased awareness of ADA guidelines regarding the current treatment recommendations for patients with prediabetes to PCPs. A pretest and posttest were utilized to assess whether the PCPs’ knowledge and implementation of ADA guidelines improved. The overall goal of this research project was to improve the care of the patients, families, and communities served through properly educating PCPs in MS on the current ADA guidelines for treating patients diagnosed with prediabetes, thereby decreasing, or preventing long-term detrimental effects on their health. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to compare the two independent samples. It was determined that there was not a statistically significant difference from pretest to posttest responses (p=.35); however, both of the practice-based questions yielded significantly positive results, indicating a change in practice

Assessment Of Prediabetes Testing Practices Among Primary Care Providers In Mississippi

Prediabetes is a condition in which a person has impaired glucose metabolism; however, his or her glucose levels do not meet criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes (ADA, 2019). Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease (ADA, 2019). Early diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes, including lifestyle interventions and medical management, are vital in preventing prediabetes from progressing to diabetes. The review of current literature indicates that prediabetes testing is not being properly utilized in primary care settings. The purpose of this study was to determine if primary care providers (PCPs) were performing prediabetes A1C screenings for patients 18 and older who were overweight, obese, or had a BMI that was 25 or greater, as well as one or more additional risk factors for prediabetes; the study also included patients who were 45 or greater without further risk factors. The intention was to bring awareness of the proper guidelines required of PCPs in testing patients for prediabetes. It is the obligation of PCPs to test asymptomatic patients who are at risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes mellitus (ADA, 2019). Primary care providers can use this information to increase their knowledge and practice of performing appropriate testing on overweight and obese patients