Intensive dietary therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients in primary versus specialist care

The six‐year prospective data on 100 people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, aged 40–69 years, were analysed. After careful and controlled dietetic training, carbohydrate metabolism parameters, physical status, fundus pictures and laboratory data were examined yearly, and alterations in treatment were noted. Twenty‐four subjects dropped out during the six year study period. At the end of the six years, 41% of the patients had continued to maintain good control by dietary means. The data were compared with those on 100 similarly detected new type 2 diabetic cases, whose education and control were provided by family physicians. The level of carbohydrate metabolism control was significantly better in the diabetic clinic‐controlled patients; the proportion of sulphonylurea‐treated patients was only 40.5% after six years compared with 68.9% among family physician‐controlled patients. The importance of a correct and controlled diet, good education and continuous control is emphasised.