Diabetics at the Charitable Clinic of Hot Springs, AR

Abstract

The Charitable Christian Medical Clinic (CCMC) served adults without healthcare reimbursement plans with medical, dental, and pharmacy services.  Five hundred seventy diabetics were followed from 2005 to 2014.  Of these, 300 attended at least one of eight classes on management of diabetes. Body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c(HgbA1c), blood pressure (BP) readings were recorded before treatment and periodically throughout care at the clinic.  All patients averaged BMI of 34.6, HgbA1c of 8.94%, and BP of 133/84 prior to initiation of care.  Many patients kept unacceptably high BMI and HgbA1c readings throughout their care.  Linear regression revealed that, after consideration of HgbA1c values, entry BMI was significantly predictive of Year 3 hemoglobin A1c.  These findings may inform providers to patients now accessing care as part of Affordable Care Act plans, but who have limited out of pocket funds for newer medications that might result in better diabetes control.