Clinic attendance and health outcomes of youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study assessed whether clinic attendance was related to health outcomes for youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Medical records of pediatric patients with type 2 DM were retrospectively reviewed. Clinic attendance was much more infrequent than recommended by physicians, and 42% of the sample withdrew from medical care. Patients who had a history of not showing during appointments had higher HbA1c levels than those who attended regularly scheduled visits; however, contrary to our hypotheses, average number of clinic visits was not associated with HbA1c levels or zBMI. Given the increased risk for health complications, new strategies are needed to keep patients engaged with medical care.