Screening, prevention, counseling, and treatment for the complications of type II diabetes mellitus. Putting evidence into practice.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To summarise current knowledge of interventions that should improve the care of patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Interventions lie within the realms of preventions, screening, and treatment, all of which are focused on office practice. METHODS: Review of the literature by a multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients with diabetes, followed by synthesis of the literature into a clinical care guideline. Literature was identified through consultation with experts and a focused MEDLINE search. MAIN RESULTS: An algorithm-based guideline for screening and treatment of the complications of diabetes was developed. The emphasis is on prevention of atherosclerotic disease, and prevention, screening, and early treatment of microvascular disease. Implementation of these practices has the potential to significantly improve quality of life and increase life expectancy in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.