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Frequently Asked Questions
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| Screening |
| Whom should be screened for diabetes? |
| When should patients be screened for diabetes? |
| What is the best way to screen for diabetes? |
| Diagnosis |
| What are the latest laboratory criteria for making the diagnosis of diabetes? |
| What elements of history and physical examination are important in looking for complications of diabetes? |
| What baseline laboratory tests are essential to obtain in patients with suspected diabetes? |
| With what other disease processes is glucose intolerance associated? |
| Consultation for Diagnosis |
| How should patients with fasting blood glucose levels be managed if they do not meet the criteria for making the diagnosis of diabetes? |
| What are some of the more unusual causes of diabetes? |
| What are the criteria for making the diagnosis of gestational diabetes? |
| Hospitalization |
| Is there a role for hospitalization for patients in whom glycemic control cannot be achieved in the outpatient setting? |
| Non-drug Therapy |
| What lifestyle modifications are necessary for all patients with diabetes? |
| When and how often is home glucose monitoring necessary? |
| What are the current dietary recommendations for patients with diabetes? |
| Drug Therapy |
| What factors influence initial choice of a hypoglycemia agent in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes? |
| What is the target level of hemoglobin A1C in patients undergoing treatment for diabetes? |
| What are the criteria for beginning an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor in patients with diabetes? |
| What drug should be used for hypertension in patients with diabetes who cannot tolerate angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors? |
| What is the effect of specific hypoglycemia agents on weight in patients with diabetes? |
| What are the side effects of the newer thiozoladinediones? |
| What is the best way to combine insulin and oral hypoglycemics in patients with diabetes? |
| What is the best drug for neuropathic pain? |
| Patient Education |
| What are the best patient education resources for patients with diabetes? |
| What is the benefit of counseling patients about diet and lifestyle factors that affect diabetes? |
| What advice do I offer patients with diabetes in order to prevent foot complications? |
| Consultation for Management |
| When should patients with poor control despite multi-drug therapy be referred to an endocrinologist? |
| What specialists should be involved in the care of diabetes patients on an ongoing basis? |
| Follow-up |
| How often should patients with type 2 diabetes be evaluated in the office? |
| What are the key elements of follow-up for patients with diabetes? |
| What tests are necessary in following patients with diabetes and how often should they be done? |
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
