A new study from Western Sydney University has found that a short conversation between two types of doctors could make a big difference for people with type 2 diabetes.
In the study, a local diabetes expert (called an endocrinologist) talked for just 15 to 20 minutes with a general doctor (called a GP) about a patient’s diabetes. The patient was not in the room, but gave permission for the doctors to talk. This type of meeting is called a “patient-free” case conference.
During the meeting, the specialist and the GP shared ideas about how to care for the patient. A nurse or diabetes educator sometimes joined too. The goal was to come up with a better plan to help manage the patient’s diabetes.
This way of working together was tested with more than 600 people who had type 2 diabetes. These patients were from 40 GP clinics in southwestern Sydney. The results from 2017 to 2020 were very encouraging.
Before the study, only about 1 in 5 patients had blood sugar levels in the healthy range. By the end of the study, more than 1 in 3 reached that goal.
The study also showed that blood pressure improved. At the start, fewer than half of the patients had healthy systolic blood pressure (the top number). By the end, more than three-quarters did.
This approach helped not only the patients but also the doctors and the healthcare system. Patients received expert advice without needing to go to a hospital. GPs learned more about how to care for people with diabetes. And fewer people needed to visit crowded hospital clinics, which helped reduce stress on the healthcare system.
If you or someone you know has type 2 diabetes, it might be helpful to ask your doctor about this kind of care. It could lead to better health with fewer appointments.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition, but there are many ways to manage it. Here are some tips:
Check your blood sugar often. Ask your doctor how and when to check, and what numbers to aim for.
Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Avoid foods with lots of sugar and fat.
Move your body. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise most days. Walking, biking, or swimming are great options.
Take your medicine as your doctor tells you.
Reduce stress. Stress can raise your blood sugar. Try breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
Quit smoking. It makes diabetes worse.
Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night.
Work closely with your healthcare team. Regular checkups help catch problems early.
Everyone is different, so it may take time to find what works best for you. Stay patient and keep trying.
The study was led by Professor David Simmons and was published in the International Journal of Integrated Care.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Widely prescribed drug may increase sudden cardiac arrest risk in people with diabetes and findings of These common drugs linked to sudden cardiac arrest in people with type 2 diabetes.
For more about diabetes, please read studies about New diabetes drug could control blood sugar and body weight better and findings of Common diabetes drugs linked to increased heart risk.
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