Diabetes education programs and the endocrinologist

In the past, control of diabetes was considered important, but studies had not substantiated the effect of high-quality care on the outcome for patients with diabetes. Recently, however, published results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial indicated that optimal control of diabetes minimized the associated complications. As a consequence, educational efforts have focused on informing and encouraging patients with diabetes to help achieve and maintain the best possible medical care. This situation has created a market for products and services to assist patients with diabetes, and many nonphysicians have promoted their products without actual participation in a team effort to improve outcomes for patients with diabetes. Clinical endocrinologists, who are experts in the management of diabetes, should assume a leadership role on the diabetes-care team and should not relinquish this responsibility to those who are less qualified to provide care for the growing number of patients with diabetes who seek optimally effective treatment.