Factors That Impact the Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and Mortality in the Seven Different Regions of Florida

Recent reports and studies have identified that the increasing number of individuals developing Type 2 diabetes is a public health concern. The enormous increase in the prevalence of this disease warrants further studies. Florida has been identified as a leading state of diabetes prevalence. Past studies have identified some demographic variables associated with those with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Studies have identified the importance of diabetes education and the need for consistent management of individuals with diabetes. This study found that Region 5 (South Central) has the highest prevalence rate of diabetes in the state of Florida. This region consists of several rural and high poverty counties. Lower socioeconomic status has been identified as a risk factor in the prevalence of diabetes. This study identified relationships between several demographic variables and those individuals with a higher prevalence of diabetes. The study found that more males had higher prevalence rates compared to females. African-Americans were identified to have much higher prevalence rates in comparison to other races. Older age groups had increased prevalence of diabetes. Individual from lower socioeconomic levels and lower levels of education had higher prevalence rates of diabetes. This study found that only half of those individuals with diabetes had attended a class or course in diabetes management. In this study males had higher attendance rates in educational programs than females. Those individuals with lower levels of education had very low attendance rates in a class or course on diabetes management. Females and individuals in older age groups had a higher percentage of visits to their primary care provider for their diabetes. In conclusion this study that a relationship exist between demographic variables and those with a diabetes diagnosis. Lack of education among those with diabetes was identified as a major concern. The nursing profession must forge forward to address this growing problem.