Data Definition and Methodology: This measure shows the percentage of diabetic Maryland Medicaid recipients ages 18 to 75 who have a hemoglobin A1C value over 9%. The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Data for this measure is obtained from the National Committee for Quality Assurance's (NCQA) Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), an annually conducted survey covering more than 90% of US health plans to measure performance on important dimensions of care and service.

Public Health Significance:  Diabetes is a complex group of diseases marked by high blood glucose (blood sugar) due to the body’s inability to make or use insulin. Left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, blindness, kidney disease, diseases of the nervous system, amputations and premature death. Clinical trials have shown that having A1c levels above 9 percent increases the risk of these complications. With support from health care providers, patients can manage their diabetes with self-care, taking medications as instructed, eating a healthy diet, being physically active and quitting smoking.

Additional Resources:

• NCQA HEDIS
• CDC Testing for Diabetes and Prediabetes: A1C
• Healthy People 2030