Codes and Frequencies
Description
DIAPILLS reports responses to the question, "Are you now taking diabetic pills to lower your blood sugar? These are sometimes called oral agents or oral hypoglycemic agents."
Respondents who received the question associated with DIAPILLS were also asked if they were currently taking insulin (INSULIN). Insulin cannot be taken orally; instead, it must be injected through shots or other devices such as insulin pens, jet injectors, or pumps.
Comparability
Apart from universe changes, the DIAPILLS variable is completely comparable over time.
Universe Changes
In 1997-2005, the question for DIAPILLS was asked of sample adults who were ever told by a doctor or other health professional that they had diabetes (other than during pregnancy) (DIABETICEV). In 2006, the question was asked of all sample adults. The 2006 Field Representative's Manual provides the following explanation for the universe change put in place that year:
In 2007, the universe for DIAPILLS was redefined to cover sample adults who had ever been told they had diabetes (other than during pregnancy) or that they had a prediabetic condition, including prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose tolerance, borderline diabetes, or high blood sugar (DIAPRECOND).
Universe
- 1976: Persons with some type of diabetes.
- 1997-2005: Sample adults age 18+ who were ever told they had diabetes (other than during pregnancy).
- 2006: Sample adults age 18+.
- 2007-2018: Sample adults age 18+ who were ever told they had diabetes or a prediabetic condition (other than during pregnancy).
Availability
- 1976, 1997-2018
Weights
- 1976 : PERWEIGHT
- 1997-2018 : SAMPWEIGHT