Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Conditions Disparities in Medicare Beneficiaries in the State of Michigan

Background This study aimed to describe the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and combinations of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) that are leading causes of death (LCD) and confirm that disparities exist between groups based on race and sex. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2012 Medicare claims data from beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes over the age of 65 in the state of Michigan. Results Female beneficiaries have type 2 diabetes and 1 or more MCCs that are LCD more often than males. Most type 2 diabetes patients have diabetes alone without MCCs, while a large proportion have at least 1 additional chronic condition that is a LCD. One in 3 patients have 3 or more chronic conditions. The most prevalent type 2 diabetes coexisting MCCs are congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease. Asian/Pacific Islanders have the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes without MCCs, and the highest prevalence of diabetes plus CHF. While fewer black beneficiaries have diabetes alone or 1 additional MCC, the prevalence of 3 or more MCCs in blacks generally exceeds the prevalence in other races. In beneficiaries with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and CHF are the first new chronic conditions to be diagnosed after an initial type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Conclusions Race and sex disparities occur in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and MCCs that are LCD in Medicare beneficiaries in the state of Michigan.