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Management of Prediabetes: A Comparison of the Treatment Approaches Utilized by a Family Practice Clinic and an Internal Medicine/Endocrinology Practice

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Journal of Pharmacy Practice

Published online on

Abstract

Purpose:

To compare the management of prediabetes between a family practice clinic and internal medicine/endocrinology practice.

Methods:

A randomized, retrospective evaluation of the medical history in 168 eligible patients with a diagnosis of prediabetes or abnormal blood glucose (BG) at a family practice clinic (n = 78) and an internal medicine/endocrinology practice (n = 90).

Results:

The internal medicine/endocrinology practice provided more counseling regarding lifestyle modifications (91.1% vs 76.9%, P = .039), specific physical activity recommendations (26.7% vs 7.7%, P = .003), and recommended more patients receive 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise (8.9% vs 1.3%, P = .038). The family practice clinic provided more written dietary information (16.9% vs 13.3%, P = .044) and specific weight loss goals (20.5% vs 6.7%, P = .015). The internal medicine/endocrinology practice initiated pharmacological therapy in more patients (51.1% vs 3.8%, P < .001) and had a significant decrease in fasting BG from baseline compared to the family practice clinic (–9.0 vs –5.6 mg/dL, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Providers are likely to initiate nonpharmacological therapy but may not provide specific education recommended by the American Diabetes Association. The integration of a multidisciplinary team to provide guideline-based nonpharmacologic counseling may be beneficial in improving outcomes in the management of prediabetes.