The Evidence Base for Diabetes Care

This volume outlines what is meant by terms such as 'evidence based practice', 'systematic review', 'efficacy', 'effectiveness'. It summarises, in a systematic fashion, the current evidence on diabetes prevention and care to enable the reader to improve their professional practice.

Furthermore, it promotes a critical attitude to the assessment of evidence and engenders enthusiasm for 'lifelong learning'. It also advises clinicians on what to do when there is little available evidence. Chapters consider the evidence base for the definition and classification of diabetes, as well as prevention, identification, treatment, education in IDDM and NIDDM.

The final chapters look at the practical implications of translating this evidence into practice in different environments with different health care systems and different economic levels.

• This is the first book to present an evidence-based approach to diabetes
• Examines the evidence base for the definition and classification of diabetes, as well as prevention, iden tification, treatment, and education in IDDM and NIDDM
• Looks at the practical implications of translating this evidence into practice in different environments
• The editors are leaders in the move towards evidence-based diabetes care

Diabetes is an increasingly common chronic disorder in both developing and developed countries. As a lifelong condition, it places considerable burdens on individuals with the disorder, their families and their carers. The rapid advance in knowledge about how best to prevent, diagnose and manage this disease is a challenge to all those who plan and provide health care for people with diabetes.

This book responds to that challenge by summarizing in a systematic fashion, the current evidence on diabetes prevention and care. Each expert review is accompanied by a critical commentary. Concepts such as 'evidence-based practice', 'systematic review', 'efficacy' and 'effectiveness' are explained.

The book should encourage the examination and evaluation of the state of the evidence for current approaches to the prevention and management of diabetes and its complications. It also considers the best options for the organisation of diabetes care.

The Evidence Base for Diabetes Care will prove invaluable to all those who plan and provide diabetes care, e.g. diabetologists, clinical endocrinologists and members of the diabetes specialist team.