One Scientist's Passion for Statistics and Science Gives Hope to People with Diabetes
Edward Gregg, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
"The health of the public is so important to the well-being of this country's economy - to influence health requires a large investment of resources and good data."
Edward Gregg, PhD, has helped to redirect attention to the quality of diabetes care nationwide. "The health of the public is so important to the well-being of this country's economy — to influence health requires a large investment of resources and good data."
Through his work on the development of a national diabetes surveillance system, Gregg has merged his passions for statistics and science to help improve the lives of entire populations rather than the lives of one or two individuals at a time. From risk factors for diabetes to its complications, the statistical models Gregg helped put in place are unique not only in their reach but also in their ability to capture and measure information that can inform public policies and help predict the lifetime risk and cost of diabetes.
His research and observations have shown that the quality of care was lacking for many people. Gregg's work has influenced new developments in disease management programs and evaluations. He hopes that incorporating cost-effectiveness analyses in public health research will be a final step towards prioritizing research in public health. "Having data is crucial to effective and efficient action," he explains. "Historically, having data to guide decisions has not always been the case. Priorities and decisions in public health and in clinical settings have too often been made without the data to drive the decision. As information systems develop, the potential to have data to guide decisions have become more practical and possible. The health of the public is so important to the well-being of this country's economy — to influence health requires a large investment of resources and good data."
Gregg is hopeful that one day survey systems will be integrated with research that focuses on effectiveness of preventions and interventions, and clinical care systems. With this approach, the data will present fully integrated information that can influence policy decisions, and have a positive impact on the health of all Americans.