The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66071

Amy Y. Chan, MPH¹, Frank Sorvillo, PhD¹, and Paul Simon, MD, MPH². (1) Data Collection and Analysis Unit, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 313 N. Figueroa St. Rm 127, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-989-7005, amchan@dhs.co.la.ca.us, (2) Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology, County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services, 313 North Figeroa St., Room 127, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. We examined multiple cause-of-death data to assess the impact of diabetes on mortality, to examine recent temporal trends, and to identify disproportionately impacted subpopulations in Los Angeles County (LAC). Multiple cause-of-death data for 1990 to 1998 were used in this analysis. Diabetes mellitus (ICD-9 Code 250) was selected from the medical conditions to assess the number of deaths where diabetes was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate. Population data were derived from the California Department of Finance. Diabetes age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 and standardized using the year 2000 population. The overall diabetes mortality rate was 88.7 in LAC in 1998. From 1990 to 1998, the mortality rate increased 9.2%. Diabetes mortality increased in all racial/ethnic groups, with significant differences in diabetes mortality rates and trends between groups. In 1998, African-Americans had the highest mortality rate (167.2), followed by Latinos (97.5), Whites (75.5) and Asian/Pacific Islanders (71.9). While diabetes mortality rates among males increased significantly compared to females, most of this difference was attributable to an increasing trend among African-American males, rising from 144.9 in 1990 to 181.3 in 1998. Diabetes is an important cause of premature mortality in LAC, particularly for African-American males among whom rates continue to rise. Further study is needed to determine the underlying factors contributing to the disproportionately high mortality rates as experienced by African-Americans. These findings also highlight the need for targeted diabetes prevention and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant(learner) in this session will be able to:
• Describe diabetes mortality trends in Los Angeles County using multiple cause-of-death data
• Identify subpopulations that would benefit from targeted diabetes prevention and treatment

Keywords: Diabetes, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.