Skin Deep: Enhanced Variable May Help Explain Racial Disparities in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes.

This secondary study challenged the dichotomous variable most used, historically, to measure respondents' Type 2 diabetes/prediabetes (Pre-/T2D): the entrenched "presence/absence." We (1) created a new 4-category alternative to "presence/absence" that addresses Pre-/T2D's social as well as biological aspects; then (2) linked the new measure to race/ethnicity, accentuating racial disparities in Pre-/T2D's development. The 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys measured respondents' HbA1C, one biomarker of Pre-/T2D, and also their self-reports concerning doctor's diagnosis of Pre-/T2D. The data simultaneously captured 4 statuses: Pre-/T2D indicated by doctor's diagnosis; Pre-/T2D indicated by biomarker; Pre-/T2D indicated by both; and no Pre-/T2D indicated. Controlling several relevant factors, the present study observed racial disparities across multiple categories of Pre-/T2D, suggesting worthwhile targets for Pre-/T2D prevention/intervention efforts that could confront racial disparities. The literature needs empirical studies featuring what would be, in our view, a particularly effective variable: one considering not only respondents' Pre-/T2D "presence/absence" but, simultaneously, respondents' Pre-/T2D awareness and Pre-/T2D-related self-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]