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Update of ‘leading handbook’ for diabetes support
After four years and an evolving type 2 diabetes landscape, the RACGP has launched its refresh of the flagship clinical guideline.
The newly updated diabetes handbook is an evidence-based clinical resource for use in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
The RACGP has released its updated diabetes handbook, bringing together the latest evidence and guidance for GPs in managing type 2 diabetes.
Launched on World Diabetes Day on Thursday, the new edition of the Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice is the first revision since 2020 and the result of a long-standing collaboration between the RACGP and Diabetes Australia.
The refreshed handbook includes a number of changes and takes into account recent developments in the evidence supporting lifestyle choices for people living with diabetes, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agents like Ozempic, which has been in critical shortage for the past year.
New sections also include:
- remission of type 2 diabetes
- weight management interventions for type 2 diabetes
- sleep and diabetes
- disability, dementia, cognitive decline and hearing impairment.
Dr Gary Deed, Chair of the guideline’s Expert Advisory Committee and of RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes, told
newsGP the update reinforces GPs’ central role in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
‘It is seen to be the leading handbook for the practical support for people living with diabetes across the whole spectrum of presentations and lifespan of the illness,’ he said.
‘From early remission to complex complication management – it is utilised by GPs as much as allied health, who form part of the multidisciplinary teams.’
As well as GPs, the handbook is a resource for primary healthcare providers including practice nurses and diabetes educators.
Dr Deed said the update process was ‘exhaustive’ and focused on general practice needs.
‘It was developed by a majority of practising GPs, so the focus was on safe and relevant support for implementation in Australian general practice,’ he said.
‘There was extensive internal and external consultation, but a worldwide search for leading evidence and other guidelines that provide insights to assist GPs.’
Described as an
‘epidemic’ and one of the biggest challenges facing the Australian healthcare system,
diabetes impacts an estimated 1.9 million people, including 1.3 million currently living with type 2.
In 2021,
around 45,700 people were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, equating to 125 people a day. Of these, males were 1.4 times more likely to be diagnosed than females, and prevalence increased with level of remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage.
With the disease
closely linked with rising overweight and obesity rates and
diagnoses continuing to increase, diabetes has seen a changing landscape, including medication shortages due to
off-label and illegal use, and the
expansion and
launch of other drugs for weight management in people with the condition.
In line with these changes, GPs will also find significant updates to the handbook’s existing sections, including:
- early onset type 2 diabetes
- medical management of glycaemia
- use of technology in type 2 diabetes management
- type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk
- diabetes-related eye disease
- diabetes-related chronic kidney disease
- type 2 diabetes and mental health
- managing risks and other impacts of type 2 diabetes.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the updated handbook as an important addition to healthcare providers’ toolbox, given that type 2 diabetes makes up an
estimated 11.8% of GP consultations.
‘People living with type 2 diabetes can avoid complications and live long and healthy lives by working with a GP and care team who knows them and their history well,’ she said.
‘Having a regular GP who knows what has worked for you in your diabetes management, what you’ve tried, and utilising these RACGP evidence-based guidelines and recommendations is the best way to set yourself up to live well with diabetes and in some cases, even reach remission.
‘There’s no substitute for that relationship.’
The diabetes handbook will be officially
launched by Dr Deed on 22 November at GP24 in Perth.
‘My presentation will give an overview of the detailed updates encompassed in the handbook,’ he said.
‘But importantly, the recommendations based upon evidence.’
The full version of the updated
Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice is available on the
RACGP website.
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