Issue 96 Item 13 Continuity of Care Improves Glucose Control

Continuity of care with a primary care physician improves glucose control in type 2 diabetes patients, report researchers. Researchers assessed the stage of change for diet and exercise in a prospective cohort of 256 adults (aged over 18 years) with established type 2 diabetes in two patient interviews. HbA1c levels were measured and medical records were examined. Continuity of care was defined as the number of visits and the number of physicians seen.

Patients who advanced one or more stages of change for diet had higher levels of continuity. As continuity improved, the change in HbA1c was smaller (p<0.001). This relationship remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables.

Reference:Parchman ML et al. Continuity of care, self-management behaviors, and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Med Care 2002; 40: 137-44