Background: An increasing amount of evidence confirms that abnormalities in glucose metabolism are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The in-hospital management of hyperglycemic diabetic patients with ACS is complex, and the traditional clinical-organizational approaches show a high degree of heterogeneity nationwide in Italy.
Methods: The current survey (March 2016-January 2017), carried out through the Delphi method, was focused on some management issues to verify the modalities/possibilities of resolution in daily clinical practice. In addition to the 12 members of the Board, who defined the web-based questionnaire and coordinated the various stages of the process, 66 specialists, cardiologists or diabetologists, were involved in 6 Italian Regions (Lombardy, Tuscany, Lazio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Puglia and Sicily). Three iterative rounds of evaluation of the 24 statements included in the questionnaire were scheduled. For each statement, the median evaluation value and the degree of convergence of the Panel of specialists were determined.
Results and conclusions: The final analysis reveals two key aspects with a broad convergence of opinions: (i) the need, since admission to hospital, of a close collaboration between cardiologists and diabetologists in the assistance of high-risk patients; and (ii) the opportunity of a specific diagnostic therapeutic care pathway extended to post-discharge management, where the role of the general practitioner should be adequately emphasized.