Diabetes mellitus is a common disease affecting a large number of population. It is characterized by increased blood sugars and abnormalities of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.Diabetes can be managed by family physicians as effectively as in hospital clinics.
Aims Of Diabetic Care
- Alleviation of symptoms.
- Minimization of complications.
- Reduction of early mortality.
- Quality of life enhancement.
- Education of the patient and family.
- Features of well organized care
- Use of a register and well maintained records.
- Regular review , following a proper protocol and provision of adequate time and open access for patients to review advice.
- Multidisciplinary team covering all aspects of diabetes care- GPs, diabetes nurses/assistants and educators.
- Continuing education for professional staff.
Routine diabetic review
Each diabetic patient requires 6 monthly review or more frequently as necessary. This should include a through annual review of all aspects of disease and care.
Review include
- The indices of blood sugar control e.g HbA1c
- Dietary behaviors, physical activity and injection techniques.
- Foot care.
- Immunizations – infuenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
- Depression screening.
- Any complications like cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, eye disease, errectile dysfunction etc. Continue reading »
