REDUCING THE COMPLICATIONS OF TYPE-II DIABETES - A PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH

Diabetes mellitus is responsible for 12 percent of health care expendi tures in the, United States, and much of the cost can be attributed to the treatment of complications. Morbidity, particularly the developme nt of microvascular complications, has been linked to poor,glycemic co ntrol in type I diabetes. Evidence strongly suggests that improved gly cemic control may reduce the morbidity, mortality and treatment costs of type II diabetes. To prevent cardiovascular complications, physicia ns and patients must work together to address risk factors such as dys lipidemia, hypertension and smoking. Effective care of type II diabete s requires an appropriate diet, an exercise program and, if needed, a carefully monitored drug regimen. In addition, physicians and patients need to cooperate in setting goals and making tradeoffs related to th e potential benefits and adverse effects of therapy. Individualized pa tient education and support groups also can be very useful.