Definition
Inpatient hospital discharges with an ICD-10 code as any diagnosis that ranges between E10-E14.Numerator
Number of hospital discharges listing diabetes as any diagnosis.Denominator
All Utah residents.Data Interpretation Issues
Hospital records may contain up to 10 diagnosis codes. The first listed diagnosis is generally considered the primary reason for the hospitalization.Why Is This Important?
Diabetes is an enormous burden on the health care system. The direct and indirect costs of diabetes nationally are estimated to be at least $327 billion per year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes Fast Facts, 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/quick-facts.html).Healthy People Objective D-5:
Improve glycemic control among persons with diabetes
U.S. Target: Not applicable, see subobjectives in this category
How Are We Doing?
The age-adjusted rate of hospital discharges listing diabetes as any diagnosis per 10,000 Utah population has been slowly decreasing over time. In 2020 the age-adjusted rate was 124.5 (122.0-126.9) diabetes discharges per 10,000 population, or 37,200 hospitalizations.What Is Being Done?
The Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) program encourages people with diabetes to enroll in a diabetes self-management education class. These classes have been shown to help individuals develop the skills they need to manage their diabetes and are usually taught by dietitians, nurses, or pharmacists, who may also hold the status of Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). CDEs have considerable expertise in diabetes management and understand what the individual with diabetes is going through.
The Utah Arthritis Program supports Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs and Diabetes Self-Management Programs throughout the state, this program is also called the Living Well with Chronic Conditions Program. This six-week program is available throughout the state at no cost and taught by community members. Information is available from Nichole Shepard, 801-538-6259, nshepard@utah.gov. More information is available on the Living Well Utah website.
The HEAL program is working statewide to increase the number of locations that offer DSME and also promote DSME to eligible participants.
The National DPP is also an evidence-based program to prevent type 2 diabetes. The HEAL program works with statewide partners to promote the National DPP to eligible Utahns and also is working to expand National DPP sites across the state.Evidence-based Practices
Diabetes Self-Management Classes have been shown to improve blood sugar control among participants. In Utah, programs are available that are recognized by the American Diabetes Association or certified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Information on classes in Utah is available on the Living Well Utah website.Health Program Information
The Utah Department of Health Resource Line can provide information about enrolling in diabetes self-management classes. Call 1-888-222-2542 for more information.
Originally known as EPICC, (The Healthy Living through Environment, Policy, and Improved Clinical Care Program), the Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) Program is a program within the Utah Department of Health Bureau of Health Promotion. HEAL focuses on enabling education and engaged change for public health by engaging its three main audiences: individuals, partners, and decision makers. HEAL champions public health initiatives and addresses the challenges of making health awareness and access truly universal and equitable in eight key areas: nutrition, heart health, diabetes, physical activity, schools, child care, community health workers, and worksites.
The HEAL Program aims to reduce the incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by targeting risk factors including reducing obesity, increasing physical activity and nutritious food consumption, and improving diabetes and hypertension control.
The primary program strategies include:
Increasing healthy nutrition and physical activity environments in K-12 schools
Increasing healthy nutrition and physical activity environments in early care and education (childcare/preschool)
Increasing healthy nutrition and physical activity environments in worksites
Improving awareness of prediabetes and hypertension for Utahns
Improving the quality of medical care for people with diabetes and hypertension
Improving the linkages between health care providers and supporting community programs for Utahns with diabetes and hypertension
Improving access and availability to community health programs for Utahns with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Improving care and management of students with chronic conditions in Utah schools