How do family physicians from the Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan regions ofFrance manage type 2 diabetes mellitus?.

Practice patterns regarding screening, diagnosis, and treatment in diabetes mellitus type 2 were evaluated in a representative sample of family physic ians in the Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan regions of France. The mean repor ted number of type 2 diabetics per physician was 15. In most cases, the dis ease was diagnosed based on the results of screening tests or of an evaluat ion for infection or excessive thirst and urination, Ninety-four per cent o f the physicians started oral hypoglycemic therapy themselves; 58% used a s ulfonylurea and 38% a biguanide as the first-line treatment, Patients were referred to ophtalmologists, cardiologists, and endocrinologists for monito ring, Patient education relied on diet sheets, blood glucose reading device s, patient diaries, and a period of day- or week-hospital care. Overall, ph ysician replies suggested that management was appropriate but that efforts are needed to increase the use of glycated hemoglobin and 24-hour urine mic ro-albumine assays, as well as to focus attention on regularly checking the feet of diabetic patients. It should be borne in mind that this type of st udy investigates an ability to remember what has been learned rather than p rofessional competence in real-life situations.