Diabetes retinopathy and related health management in Asians versus whites using BRFSS 2005-2017 data.

Purpose: Asian Americans had high rate of type 2 diabetes and less risk for diabetes complications compared to white. The purpose of this study was to examine diabetic retinopathy and related healthcare management among Asian American adults with diabetes.

Materials and method: Asian and white type 2 diabetes participants from 2005-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were used to perform the analysis. SAS 9.4 survey procedures were used to conduct the statistical test. Health care management variables (self-blood sugar check, eye check and HbA1C check with doctors, health care professional visit) were analyzed and compared between Asian and white.

Results: During 2005-2017, diabetic retinopathy (DR) rate among Asian Americans was 10% higher than white, and Asian Americans was more than 100% more likely to develop DR compared to white. Asian Americans was less likely to check their blood sugar once a day (P<0.05 for all years except 2005 and 2007) and more likely to see the health care professional and perform eye and HbA1C check even the relationship was not statistically significant. After adjusting all the demo-social factors and health care management factors, Asian still had higher rate of DR compared to white.

Conclusion: Asian Americans had higher rate of DR rate compared to white. Asian and white all had low rate of selfcare of blood sugar. Interventions for DR need to apply among Asian population.