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The article discusses the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, risk factors, complications, diagnosis and management of diabetes. Diabetes is generally categorized as type 1 (insulin dependent) or type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Some of symptoms of diabetes are polyuria/nocturia, thirst, mood changes and weight loss. The most common acute complication of type 1 diabetes is ketoacidosis. Control of blood pressure, weight, blood lipids and blood glucose is critical for preventing complications.

The article discusses how being informed and prepared can help people with diabetes achieve greater compliance with their medication and, in turn, have effective control of their condition. Research shows that few people with diabetes take prescribed medication as recommended. Failure to take medication is widespread and expensive. The most expensive drug is the one that is not taken and potentially responsible for poor health outcomes.

The article offers information on blood glucose monitors and monitoring. Blood glucose monitoring became available to people with diabetes from early in the 1970s and has progressed rapidly to highly efficient and easy-to-use measurement devices becoming the norm. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggested that self blood glucose monitoring should be used only in conjunction with lifestyle interventions. Guidance from NICE recommends blood glucose monitoring should be used as an educational tool to enable people with diabetes to manage their own condition. All people with type All people with type 1 diabetes should have access to home blood glucose monitoring at least 4 times per day and self adjustment of insulin included in their education plans. INSETS: KEY POINTS;KEY SKILLS.

Focuses on the incorporation of Quality and Outcomes Framework into enhancing diabetes management and patient care. Diabetes quality indicators in the General Medical Services contact in Great Britain; Effect of smoking on the incidence of heart disease in people with diabetes; Importance of improved glycaemic control in reducing the risk of diabetes complication.

Presents information on the management of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia attacks in diabetic patients. Causes of the diseases; Ways to detect the diseases on patients; Emergency medications for several types of diabetes.

Discusses new ways of working through the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract and lists the components of a patient-held record for a person with diabetes. Information on type 1 and type 2 diabetes; Overview of the GMS contract; Recommendations of the Expert Patients Task Force on ways of involving lay people in chronic disease management.

Provides information on long-term management of diabetes. Approach in management of diabetes; Details of controlling blood glucose; Factors to consider in choosing a suitable injector device.

Focuses on the systematic approach in the management of patients who are newly diagnosed with diabetes. Advantages of a systematic approach to the care of people newly diagnosed with diabetes; Diet for diabetics; Description of common medical emergencies that may affect a person presenting with diabetes.

Provides information on the medical care for diabetes patients. Detection and identification of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; Preventive measures; Criteria for diagnosis; Complications of diabetes.

Explains diabetes as part of the practice nurse training curriculum. Types of diabetes; Symptoms of diabetes; Life style of patients who may have diabetes; Factors to consider in diabetes diagnosis; Treatment for diabetes; Things to consider in nursing management for diabetes.

The article outlines the options for intensification of insulin regimen to achieve glycaemic control. Reference is made to the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study which suggests the need for insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes. A structured program advocated by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is discussed along with the effect of the titration of the regimen. The introduction of a second type of insulin demonstrated by the 4T Study Group is examined along with the intensification after initial basal or pre-mixed insulin.

Focuses on ways of working with insulin sensitisers to target insulin resistance and improve patient care presented during the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Paris, France in August 2003. Increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes; Factors that are linked to insulin resistance; Effectiveness of using glitazones as the first-line monotherapy.

The author focuses on the gap in the training and education of practice nurses. The author observes a void developing around the training and education of nurses. He attributes the gap to the reduction of commissioning of places on courses and financial pressures. He also says that it is not just a problem of negotiating time off and obtaining fund but also the lack of partnership between primary care organizations and companies and representatives.

The article presents information on guidelines in ways of preventing heart and circulatory diseases. In December 2005 the Joint Societies published their long-awaited guidance on prevention of heart disease in clinical practice. They recommend focusing on three groups at highest risk: people with established atherosclerotic chemical vapor deposition; apparently healthy individuals at high risk; and everybody with diabetes.

The article presents questions and answers related to health. The difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist is being asked. There is an inquiry about the risk that male members will develop the disease if female members of a family have a history of breast cancer. An explanation is being sought about glycosylation in the blood test HbA[sub 1c] which is being used to monitor diabetes.

Comments on guidelines released in Great Britain on the management of blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. Drawbacks of the guidelines published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in 2002; Suggestion by the British Hypertension Society on the management of all risks associated with type 2 diabetes.