Italian guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Aim: This guideline is aimed at providing a reference for the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Methods: These recommendations apply to outpatients, either in primary care or at specialist referral. Prior cardio- vascular events, heart failure, renal disease, hypoglycemic risk and other conditions affecting life expectancy have been considered as factors capable of modifying treatment strate- gies. The following areas have been assessed: therapeutic goals, nutritional therapy, physical exercise, educational programs, pharmacological treatment, glucose monitoring. This guideline has been developed following the methods described in the Manual of the National Guideline Sys- tem (http://www.snlg-iss.it). For each question, the panel nominated by the Società Italiana di Diabetologia (SID) and Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD) identified poten- tially relevant outcomes, which were then rated for their impact on therapeutic choices. Only outcomes classified as “critical” were considered in the systematic review of evi- dence and in the formulation of recommendations. Results: The present guideline contains recommendations on the following clinical aspects of type 2 diabetes: 1) treat- ment targets; 2) nutritional therapy; 3) physical exercise; 4) educational therapy; 5) pharmacological treatment (for patients with and without previous cardiovascular disease); and 6) glycemic monitoring. Conclusions: The present guideline is directed to physi- cians, nurses, dietitians and educators working in Diabetes specialist clinics; general practitioners; nurses and dietitian working in territorial services or private offices; and patients with diabetes.