Factors Associated with Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Areas of the United States

Haney Wahba, MD, FAAFP, Yue-Fang Chang, PhD

INTRODUCTION

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 18.2 million Americans, or 6.3% of the population, has diabetes mellitus (DM). Approximately 90% of these individuals have type 2 DM.^1,2 The prevalence of type 2 DM has assumed epidemic dimensions.^1,2 Communities worldwide have benefited from advances in technology, such as the expanded use of computers and the Internet. Conversely, this advanced technology also promotes a sedentary lifestyle, with less time spent on physical activities. Increased body weight and sedentary lifestyle accelerate insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, which will increase the risk of type 2 DM.³