I surveyed two more patients today. Both Patient 3 and Patient 4 are Type 2 diabetics, in contrast to the Type 1 patients from yesterday. Patient 3 is 51, has an HbA1c level of 6.10%, and scored 0 on PHQ-9. Patient 4 is 28, has an HbA1c level of 6.0%, and scored 4 on PHQ-9.
Of course, there are no accurate generalizations that can be made having surveyed only four patients. But, as I continue my patient interviews over then next month and a half, I think it would be interesting to note some of the trends that appear in the data, even if they're neither credible nor conclusive as broad generalizations.
I think what stands out most is the disparity between the HbA1c levels of the Type 1 diabetics from yesterday (8.7% and 10.2%) and those of the Type 2 diabetics from today (6.1% and 6.0%). Recall that the HbA1c level indicates how well the patient's blood glucose control has been in the recent months. Patients 3 and 4 have lower HbA1c levels and therefore are maintaining better control over their blood sugar levels. It follows that Type 1 diabetics would have a more difficult time maintaining glycemic control because Type 2 diabetics do not require as much of an active individual role in controlling their diabetes (e.g. Type 2 diabetics do not have to constantly monitor blood sugar levels and administer insulin appropriately).
For right now, it doesn't seem like there are any noticeable trends with the PHQ-9 scores. I suppose I will just have to wait until I've interviewed more patients.
Lalani.
Of course, there are no accurate generalizations that can be made having surveyed only four patients. But, as I continue my patient interviews over then next month and a half, I think it would be interesting to note some of the trends that appear in the data, even if they're neither credible nor conclusive as broad generalizations.
I think what stands out most is the disparity between the HbA1c levels of the Type 1 diabetics from yesterday (8.7% and 10.2%) and those of the Type 2 diabetics from today (6.1% and 6.0%). Recall that the HbA1c level indicates how well the patient's blood glucose control has been in the recent months. Patients 3 and 4 have lower HbA1c levels and therefore are maintaining better control over their blood sugar levels. It follows that Type 1 diabetics would have a more difficult time maintaining glycemic control because Type 2 diabetics do not require as much of an active individual role in controlling their diabetes (e.g. Type 2 diabetics do not have to constantly monitor blood sugar levels and administer insulin appropriately).
For right now, it doesn't seem like there are any noticeable trends with the PHQ-9 scores. I suppose I will just have to wait until I've interviewed more patients.
Lalani.
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