Diabetes is a national health priority. The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2016–2020 was released by the Australian Government in November 2015.1 The number of people with type 2 diabetes is growing, most likely the result of rising overweight and obesity rates, lifestyle and dietary changes, and an ageing population. Within 20 years, the number of people in Australia with type 2 diabetes may increase from an estimated 870,000 in 2014, to more than 2.5 million.2 The most socially disadvantaged Australians are twice as likely to develop diabetes. The early identification and optimal management of people with type 2 diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations and vision loss that is associated with type 2 diabetes. General practice has the central healthcare provider role in managing type 2 diabetes, from identifying those at risk right through to caring for patients at the end of life. These guidelines give up-to-date, evidence-based information tailored for general practice to support general practitioners (GPs) and their teams in providing high-quality management. In developing the 2020 edition of Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has focused on factors relevant to current Australian clinical practice. The RACGP has used the skills and knowledge of your general practice peers who have an interest in diabetes management and are members of the RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes Network. This publication has been produced in accordance with the rules and processes outlined in the RACGP’s Conflict of Interest Policy. This edition represents 21 years of a successful relationship between the RACGP and Diabetes Australia. We acknowledge the support of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care, the Australian Diabetes Society, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and RACGP staff in the development of these guidelines.

(Management of type-2 diabetes (A handbook for general practice

Diabetes is a national health priority. The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2016–2020 was released by the Australian Government in November 2015.1 The number of people with type 2 diabetes is growing, most likely the result of rising overweight and obesity rates, lifestyle and dietary changes, and an ageing population. Within 20 years, the number of people in Australia with type 2 diabetes may increase from an estimated 870,000 in 2014, to more than 2.5 million.2 The most socially disadvantaged Australians are twice as likely to develop diabetes. The early identification and optimal management of people with type 2 diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations and vision loss that is associated with type 2 diabetes. General practice has the central healthcare provider role in managing type 2 diabetes, from identifying those at risk right through to caring for patients at the end of life. These guidelines give up-to-date, evidence-based information tailored for general practice to support general practitioners (GPs) and their teams in providing high-quality management. In developing the 2020 edition of Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has focused on factors relevant to current Australian clinical practice. The RACGP has used the skills and knowledge of your general practice peers who have an interest in diabetes management and are members of the RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes Network. This publication has been produced in accordance with the rules and processes outlined in the RACGP’s Conflict of Interest Policy. This edition represents 21 years of a successful relationship between the RACGP and Diabetes Australia. We acknowledge the support of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care, the Australian Diabetes Society, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and RACGP staff in the development of these guidelines.