186325 - Simplifying treatment in Type 2 diabetes

To improve your knowledge, skills and confidence in choosing the right therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), including those with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Relevance to General Practice

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has emerged as one of the major health threats of the 21st century. It is among the most common reasons to see a general practitioner (GP) and will become more common in the future. Undiagnosed or poorly managed T2D can lead to many long-term complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), kidney failure, and limb amputations. Thus, early recognition and optimal management are crucial. The management of T2D is seldom straightforward, and many different factors influence the choice and intensity of therapy, including patient age, comorbidity, resources, life expectancy and the potential for benefits and risks. With this in mind, and the ongoing reporting of the results of cardiovascular outcomes safety trials, it is timely to revisit our knowledge and practices of current antidiabetic agents.

Learning outcomes

Implement screening protocols for asymptomatic patients according to the RACGP’s General practice management of type 2 diabetes, 2016–18 edition

Explain the diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes in conjunction with confirmatory laboratory testing

Outline appropriate lifestyle modifications

Evaluate glucose-lowering medicines as appropriate for individual clinical needs

Communicate the findings of cardiovascular outcomes trials of DPP-4 inhibitors to patients and colleagues

Domains of General Practice

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

D4. Professional and ethical role

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

Curriculum Contextual Units

Adult health

Activity sponsor

Australia Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Ltd and Eli Lilly Australia Pty Ltd