Diabetes mellitus – essential news for family medicine care

Sa？etak Diabetes mellitus is a complex, chronic disease in which glycaemic control reduces the development of micro- and macro-vascular complications. In order to chose the adequate therapy it is necessary to establish the presence of cardiovascular diseases, its influence on hypoglycaemia and body mass as well as on the cost. Best cardiovascular outcomes are achieved with optimal glycaemic control, along with aggressive control of all cardiovascular risk factors (especially LDL cholesterol and blood pressure). Regardless of cardiovascular history, all patients should receive lifestyle management counselling (including weight loss, dietary habits, physical activity). Prevention of complications and optimal life quality is the main aim in diabetes care. Constant glycaemic control, complications monitoring, target setting and active monitoring, identification of clinical context and prognosis as well as patients` education are specific tasks set for the family medicine specialist. The emphasis is on the individual approach to the patient