Diabetic Patients To Have Larger Voice In Care

The American Diabetes Association has come out with new guidelines meant to provide diabetic patients with individualized care.
The new statement recommends more patient involvement in the treatment and management of their condition and provides guidance on approaches to the choice of therapy. Choices, including precise goals for blood sugar control, should combine the best available scientific evidence along with the doctor's and patient's preferences.
"Given the uncertainties in terms of type and sequence therapies, this approach is particularly appropriate in Type 2 diabetes," said Andrew Boulton, a professor at the University of Manchester, in England, and president of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, which also released a similar statement.
Other main points in the new guidelines include:

• Diet, exercise, and education remain the foundation of any Type 2 diabetes program.
• Unless the patient has an adverse effect to it, metaformin is the best first-line drug.
• After metaformin, there is limited data to guide treatment. Combination therapy with one or two oral drugs is reasonable, with the aim to minimize side effects. 
• Many patients will still require insulin therapy alone or in combination with other drugs to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Cardiovascular care and risk reduction should be a top priority.

In the guidelines, patient-centered care is defined as "an approach to providing care that is respective and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, ensuring that the patient's own values guide all clinical decisions." In the end, patients make their own decision about how much or how little they want to change their lifestyle choices and their care has to fit in with their lives.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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