Pediatric endocrinologists' management of children with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes Care. 2010 Mar;33(3):512-4. doi: 10.2337/dc09-1333. Epub 2009 Dec 10.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To understand physician behaviors and attitudes in managing children with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A survey was mailed to a nationwide sample of pediatric endocrinologists (PEs). RESULTS A total of 40% of PEs surveyed responded (211 of 527). Concordance with current monitoring guidelines varied widely, ranging from 36% (foot care) to 93% (blood pressure monitoring). Given clinical vignettes addressing hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and microalbuminuria, only 34% of PEs were fully concordant with current treatment guidelines. Reported barriers included concerns about patient adherence, insufficient scientific evidence about treatment, and lack of familiarity with current recommendations. Providers aged < or =45 years or in clinical practice <10 years reported significantly more aggressive management behaviors and had higher concordance with guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Screening and management of pediatric type 2 diabetes varied widely among PEs, suggesting opportunities for quality improvement. More aggressive management of type 2 diabetes among younger providers may be related to recent training when type 2 diabetes was more common.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Data Collection
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Endocrinology / methods*
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pediatrics / methods
  • Professional Competence
  • Professional Practice