NICE updates Quality Standard for diabetes in adults

In addition to updating five statements, QS6 includes two new statements. The seven statements are as follows:

1. Adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes are offered a referral to an intensive lifestyle-change programme [new].
2. Adults with type 2 diabetes are offered a structured education programme at diagnosis [updated].
3. Adults with type 1 diabetes are offered a structured education programme 6–12 months after diagnosis [updated].
4. Adults with type 2 diabetes whose HbA_1c level is 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or above after 6 months with single-drug treatment are offered dual therapy [new].
5. Adults at moderate or high risk of developing a diabetic foot problem are referred to the foot protection service [updated].
6. Adults with a limb-threatening or life-threatening diabetic foot problem are referred immediately for specialist assessment and treatment [updated].
7. Adults with type 1 diabetes in hospital receive advice from a multidisciplinary team with expertise in diabetes [updated].

The standard is expected to contribute to improvements in incidence of type 2 diabetes; control of blood glucose levels; incidence of hypoglycaemia; cardiovascular risk; incidence of complications; rates of ulceration, infection, complications and amputation of feet and lower limbs; hospital admissions and readmissions; quality of life; and life expectancy.

The statement can be viewed in full here.