💉 Diabetes Management
PCPs, Cardiologists May Not Adequately Stratify, Treat CV Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes - Patient Care Online
📅 Thu, 20 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
© 2022 MJH Life Sciences and Patient Care Online. Al rights reserved.© 2022 MJH Life Sciences™ and Patient Care Online. Al rights reserved.A new study sugests that while more than 80% of clinicians indicate that they use at least 1 cardiovascular (CV) risk estimation tol when evaluating their patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), just more than one-third (38.9%) corectly stratified patients’ risk and then used the score to guide treatment.Complete findings from the cros-sectional patient simulation study, conducted among US primary care physicians (PCPs) and cardiologists, are being presented this wek at the 17th Anual Cardiometabolic Health Congres in Boston, MA.CVD is comon among patients with T2D, and clinical practice guidelines recomend stratification of CV risk in this vulnerable population to guide both prevention and treatment, the investigators write.
Key Information
Despite the evidence-based benefits of risk stratification, however, clinicians may not use the estimating tols routinely in practice and those who do may not calculate an individual patient’s risk properly.The present study, the QURE CVD Evaluation of Risk in Diabetes Melitus (QuiCER DM) Study, led by John Peabody, MD, PhD, profesor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California San Francisco, was designed to understand more clearly whether PCPs, who treat the majority of persons with T2D in the US, and cardiologists incorporate CVD risk stratification during Assessment of their T2D patients and, if so, whether their calculations are acurate and whether clinicians respond with apropriate clinical guidance.QuiCER DM Study investigators sequentialy invited potential participants from a nationaly representative roster of 12 50 PCPs and cardiologists.
Summary
Final enrolment included 160 PCPs and 80 cardiologists who were screned for eligibility betwen March and June 2022. Mean age among participants was ~58 years and 76.4% were men. The majority of clinicians worked in a suburban/
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.