How we know if we're succeeding

Measuring ourselves: Diabetes

The basic facts

• Diabetes is a serious but controllable disease
• Aggressive treatment of diabetes with diet, physical activity, and medication achieves lower blood sugar levels and reduces complications
• Many people with diabetes are not under optimal control. They are therefore at higher risk for serious health problems
• The A1c test is a measure of blood sugar control; for people with diabetes, controlling the A1c level (keeping it below 7%) can reduce complications from diabetes
• People with diabetes are also at lower risk for complications if their LDL cholesterol level remains below 100 mg/dL

Our mission is to improve the health and outcomes of people living with diabetes through comprehensive, cost-effective care. We want to ensure that every person with diabetes under our care receives the highest level of treatment and education.

We measure the following:

• Percent of patients with diabetes whose A1c level is less than 7%.
• Percent of patients with diabetes whose LDL level is below 100 mg/dL.

In 2006, 59% of our patients with diabetes had an A1c level below 7%, exceeding our goal of 50%.

N = number of patients in measurement

In 2006, 64% of our patients with diabetes had an LDL level below 100 mg/dL, just short of our goal.

N = number of patients in measurement

For more information and helpful resources on diabetes, click here.