Related Experiment Videos
Current approaches to diabetes control. How good are they?
1Endocrinology Unit, NorthWestern Adelaide Health Service, South Australia. cholmwood@ozemail.com.au
Background:
How well are general practitioners currently managing their patients with diabetes and do systems of care have anything to offer?
Objective:
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.
Discussion:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis