Reports From the Field: Team approach works best in managing diabetes

Reports From the Field: Team approach works best in managing diabetes

Research shows that providers can help diabetes patients achieve good glycemic control and postpone major complications through a combination of intensive drug therapy and a team approach to care.

"Improving Care for Diabetics Through Intensive Therapy and a Team Approach" is based on research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The publication suggests that diabetes can be managed effectively by more frequent use of two oral medications or one oral medication plus insulin, three or more daily injections for insulin recipients, four or more visits a year for many patients, and visits with both physicians and nurse practitioners.

The publication is available at: www.ahrq.gov/research/diabria/diabetes.htm.