Purpose: Detection and treatment of prediabetes is an effective strategy in diabetes prevention. However, most patients with prediabetes are not identified. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between attitudes toward prediabetes as a clinical construct and screening/treatment behaviors for diabetes prevention among US family physicians.Methods: An electronic survey of a national sample of academic family physicians (n 1248) was conducted in 2016. Attitude toward prediabetes was calculated using a summated scale assessing agreement with statements regarding prediabetes as a clinical construct. Perceived barriers to diabetes prevention, current strategies for diabetes prevention, and perceptions of peers were also examined.Results Recent estimates suggest that the prevalence of prediabetes among the US adult population is 36%. Even though recommendations and other evidence suggest that detection and treatment of prediabetes is necessary, epidemiologic studies indicate that the vast majority of people with prediabetes are unaware that they have the condition. 10 Moreover, national estimates of ambulatory care indicate that even with current laboratory tests indicating hemoglobin A1c levels consistent with prediabetes (found in 34% of visits), adults have a very low likelihood of being diagnosed with prediabetes and this diagnosis noted in the medical record.11 Treatment (lifestyle modification counseling and/or metformin) was indicated in the medical record in 23.0% of those with diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes.
11This article was externally peer reviewed.