The next step in the management of type 2 diabetes – QI&CPD – Category 2

Optimisation of blood glucose management is important for all patients with type 2 diabetes to improve both short-term and long-term health outcomes. General glycaemic targets have therefore been set for newly-diagnosed patients with uncomplicated diabetes at an HbA1c = 7% (53mmol/mol). Despite these guidelines for glycaemic management, however, over 60% of patients are reported as not reaching their glycaemic goals. One Australian study showed less than half of all patients with type 2 diabetes seen in general practice had an HbA1c = 7% (53 mmol/mol) while 25% had an HbA1c > 8% (64mmol/mol).