Utilisation of general practitioner services and achievement of guideline targets by people with diabetes who joined a peer-support program in Victoria, Australia

Aust J Prim Health. 2015;21(2):205-13. doi: 10.1071/PY13178.

Abstract

This paper describes the use of general practitioner (GP) services and achievement of guideline targets by 285 adults with type 2 diabetes in urban and regional areas of Victoria, Australia. Anthropometric and biomedical measures and responses to a self-administered questionnaire were collected. Findings indicate that almost all participants had visited a GP and had had their hypoglycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measured in the past 6 months; less than one-third had visited a practice nurse. Fifty per cent achieved a HbA1c target of 7.0%; 40%, a total cholesterol ≤ 4.00 mmol/L; 39%, BP Systolic ≤ 130 mmHg; 51%, BP Diastolic ≤ 80 mmHg; 15%, body mass index ≤ 25 kg/m2; and 34% reported a moderately intense level of physical activity, that is, ≥ 30 min, 5 days a week. However, 39% of individuals achieved at least two targets and 18% achieved at least three of these guideline targets. Regional participants were more likely to report having a management plan and having visited a practice nurse, but they were less likely to have visited other health professionals. Therefore, a more sustained effort that also includes collaborative care approaches is required to improve the management of diabetes in Australia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • General Practitioners*
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Guideline Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Care Planning / organization & administration*
  • Peer Group
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Victoria

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human