Patient and Provider Prediabetes Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in a Large Urban Family Medicine Practice

Abstract

One-third of U.S. adults have prediabetes, but only 11% are aware of their condition. Many do not receive education or treatment. The purpose of this study is to understand family medicine providers’ and patients’ attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding prediabetes and its management, to guide future management interventions. Cross-sectional surveys of providers ( n = 54, 57% response rate) and patients with prediabetes ( n = 148, 16.5% response rate) were administered at a large urban academic family medicine practice. Nearly all providers agree prediabetes screening is important, but over half were unaware of the national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and most do not prescribe metformin to eligible patients. Over half of patients reported being told they have prediabetes but <5% had been referred to DPP and over half were unaware of medication options. In open-ended responses, providers suggested nutrition counseling resources and an improved DPP referral process to improve prediabetes care. Patients requested clear diagnosis, education on treatment options, and nutritional counseling. This study indicates that notable gaps continue to exist in provider and patient understanding and management of prediabetes, suggesting that interventions to improve prediabetes care should include more effective counseling on diagnosis and treatment and expanding access to nutrition and educational resources.