Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Endocrinology and metabolism

Reducing risk in type 2 diabetes: a practical approach

Livia Rivera-woll, Harvey H Newnham
Abstract
Effective prevention and management of the complications of diabetes requires sound knowledge not only of the complications themselves, but also of the risk factors for their development in an individual patient.
Key Points
  • Even before patients are diagnosed with diabetes they are at increased risk of macrovascular disease.
  • The complications of diabetes do not develop in isolation so the effects of one complication may profoundly impact on others.
  • Attention to detail is essential to detect and manage effectively the risk factors and complications of diabetes.
  • The ability to view the patient ‘globally’, directing attention to where treatment is most likely to be of benefit and least likely to cause harm, is the key to diabetes management.
  • Multifactorial approaches to diabetes care appear to be the most effective.
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