The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7216 p388
21 September 2002

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New type 2 diabetes guidance from NICE

People with type 2 diabetes should have their HbA_1c measured at two- to six-monthly intervals and aim for a target HbA_1c of between 6.5 and 7.5 per cent, according to new guidelines issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence this week.

Other areas covered include the use of antidiabetic drugs, lifestyle interventions and self-monitoring of blood glucose, which the guidance advises should only be taught if the need or purpose is clear and has been agreed with the patient.

Future work recommended includes research into the forms of blood and urine self-monitoring in people using oral antidiabetic drugs and a long-term study of metformin use in non-obese patients.

The guidelines are available at www.nice.org.uk. Guidelines from NICE on the management of blood pressure and blood lipids in people with diabetes are expected later this month.