Practical diabetes care

In the hands of well-trained clinicians in primary care, people with diabetes can benefit from a level of control of their diabetes and a standard of care as high as they would in a hospital-based diabetes clinic. They can enjoy a normal life, but this requires good self-care and continuing expert advice. Primary carers need to be able to answer patients' questions about the practical aspects of life with diabetes, such as how it can affect their work, leisure, and holidays, and whether they should become pregnant. This comprehensive practical guide has been written for everyone in the primary care team who helps to care for people with diabetes. It describes how to set up a clinic; diagnose diabetes; assess, teach, and treat patients of all ages; monitor diabetes; prevent tissue damage and manage any that has already occurred; manage diet, tablets, and insulin treatment; and gives advice on correct high and low glucose levels.