Current approaches to diabetes control. How good are they?

How well are general practitioners currently managing their patients with diabetes and do systems of care have anything to offer?

This article examines the benefits and costs of recommended treatments. It looks at evidence on current standards of care for people with diabetes in Australia. It examines the evidence on systems of care and their effect on quality of care and outcomes.

There is good evidence to support current recommendations regarding management of glycaemia, blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia and the use of aspirin. Early screening and appropriate management of retinopathy, microalbuminuria and at-risk feet is also supported. Despite this, management of diabetes within the Australian community remains suboptimal. Systems of care improve quality of care. The uptake of these more structured approaches to care requires an appropriate mix of incentives, education and support for GPs.