Barriers to care in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: the Michigan experience
Article Abstract:
The nature of the health care system, attitudes, and lack of knowledge about obesity all may contribute to the inconsistent management of patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A researcher summarized the findings of a 60-member team of health professionals and patient representatives that analyzed the health care habits of 1,056 patients with NIDDM and proposed explanations for their findings. Only one-third of the patients had received at least one comprehensive eye examination, diabetes education, and diet counseling. Fifteen percent had never had any of these services considered by diabetes specialists as essential to routine care. Obstacles to better management of diabetes include the fact that primary health care providers do not consider NIDDM to be a serious disease and poorly understand the nature and problems involved in managing obesity. Another obstacle is that insurance companies do not consistently provide for the long-term preventive care necessary in managing patients with NIDDM.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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Forum three: changes in the U.S. health care system that would facilitate improved care for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Article Abstract:
The health care system in the United States needs modification in order to more effectively treat patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A group of health professionals in the field of diabetes proposed changes to the health care system that may meet this goal. All patients with NIDDM should have access to adequate on-going care for their disease. Coordination of efforts between diabetes specialists and primary care doctors would be beneficial in creating balanced treatment plans and centralizing patient statistics for research purposes. A doctor's education should also include more training in managing patients with NIDDM given the frequency of the disease. A national organization designed to educate primary care doctors and the public about current recommendations and standards of care for patients with diabetes would be helpful in assuring consistent distribution of relevant information.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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Management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: the United Kingdom experience
Article Abstract:
The management of care for patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in the United Kingdom is moving towards a team approach involving a diabetes specialty center, primary health care providers, and the patient. A researcher highlighted aspects of this team approach in light of goals aimed at improving diabetic patient health. The diabetic specialist is responsible for educating and updating health care professionals and the public about the disease, serving as a hub for monitoring patient statistics, and intervening in diabetic emergencies. The primary health care providers and patients are jointly responsible for developing a realistic treatment plan and regularly monitoring disease progression. Goals of treatment may include control of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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- Abstracts: Metformin. Metabolic effects of metformin in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Efficacy of metformin in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- Abstracts: The feasibility of intensive insulin management in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: implications of the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study on Glycemic Control and Complications in NIDDM