Diabetes Protocol for General Practice It is recognised that the level of knowledge and skills to manage people who require complex diabetes care varies from practice to practice. This protocol is aimed at supporting practices to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care by the most appropriate person. If your practice has a high level of knowledge and skill in managing patients with more complex needs such as co-morbidities, injectable or new therapies, the practice should continue to utilise their expertise and manage their patients at GP practice level. Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 1 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Contents 1. Aims 3 2. Screening for Diabetes 3 3. Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus 4 4. Impaired Glucose Tolerance 5 5. Impaired Fasting Glycaemia 5 6. Newly Diagnosed Diabetes 6 7. Initial Consultation 7 8. Annual Review 7 9. Routine Review 8 10. Targets; HbA1c 9 BP 9 Cholesterol 10 Aspirin 11 11. Complex Patient Referral Criteria 12 12. Useful Contacts 13 13. Appendices; Appendix 1 Diagnosing Diabetes 14 Appendix 2 The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test 15 Appendix 3 Algorithm for glucose-lowering in Type 2 Diabetes 16 Appendix 4 Referral Form for Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse Services 17 Appendix 5 18 Key components for Diabetes Services Pathway Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 2 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Aim The aim of this diabetes protocol is to support the care of people with diabetes in primary care by: Promoting the early detection of diabetes Recognising patients as partners in their care and ensure they are empowered to self manage their condition Appropriately monitoring the health of patients with diabetes to reduce the risk of complications Supporting patients to make healthy lifestyle choices to help maximise their quality of life Providing patients with access to evidence-based clinical services Screening for Diabetes Blanket screening of large populations has not yielded the hoped-for good results. It is much more cost and time effective to perform targeted screening of at risk groups as follows: 1. Patients should be offered a fasting blood glucose test as a screening test for diabetes, when presenting with thirst, polyuria, unexplained weight loss, nocturia, incontinence, recurrent infections including thrush, neuropathic symptoms, changes in visual acuity or unexplained tiredness. 2. All patients with established hypertension, obesity (BMI >30), CHD, PVD, CVD, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or a family history of diabetes should have a fasting blood glucose test at least once every 3 years. Patients of Asian and AfroCaribbean descent over 40 should be offered a 3 yearly test. 3. Patients with a personal history of Gestational Diabetes, Impaired Fasting Glycaemia or Impaired Glucose Tolerance should have an annual fasting blood glucose test. Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 3 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes is diagnosed on the basis of history (i.e. polyuria, polydipsia and unexplained weight loss) PLUS a random venous plasma glucose concentration ≥ 11.1 mmol/l OR a fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥ 7.0 mmol/l OR 2 hour plasma glucose concentration ≥ 11.1 mmol/l 2 hours after 75g anhydrous glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT see appendix 2) With no symptoms diagnosis should not be based on a single glucose determination but requires confirmatory plasma venous determination. One additional glucose test result at least 4 weeks apart with a value in the diabetic range is essential, either fasting, from a random sample or from the two hour post glucose load (see appendix 1 and 2). If the fasting or random values are not diagnostic the 2-hour value should be used. It should be noted that people including children with Type 1 diabetes usually present with severe symptoms and diagnosis should then be based on a single raised blood glucose result, as above. Immediate referral to the Secondary Care Diabetes Team should not be delayed. A diagnosis should never be made on the basis of glycosuria or capillary finger prick blood glucose alone, although such tests may be useful for screening purposes. HbA1c measurement is also not currently recommended for the diagnosis of diabetes within NHS Fife. Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 4 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Pre-diabetes Conditions – Impaired Fasting Glycaemia and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) IGT is a state of impaired glucose regulation, diagnosed by the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, which confers an increased risk of future diabetes of 2-5% per year. Patients with IGT tend to have higher blood pressure and plasma triglycerides when compared to non-diabetic individuals. Impaired Fasting Glycaemia (IFG) The term IFG has been introduced to classify individuals with fasting glucose values above the normal range but below those diagnostic of diabetes. Diabetes UK recommends that all such individuals should have an oral glucose tolerance test to exclude a diagnosis of diabetes in the presence of other risk factors, e.g. central obesity. Such individuals have an increased risk of developing diabetes and should be offered lifestyle advice. Fasting Blood Glucose between 6 – 6.9mmols Proceed to Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (see appendix 2) Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 5 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Newly Diagnosed Diabetes For guidance on the appropriate Diabetes Service Pathway for patients with Diabetes please see appendix 5. Any young person (<20years) and adults with suspected diabetes (acute presentation of hyperglycaemia +/- presence of ketonuria) should be referred urgently to Secondary Care. This includes any young person suspected of having type 2 diabetes. Women with suspected Gestational diabetes and women who are wishing to become pregnant should also be referred to secondary care. A small group of patients may have ‘other types’ of diabetes e.g. acquired or secondary to pancreatitis, drug induced etc. and may need referral to secondary care or the community diabetes specialist nurse The majority (85-95%) of people with Diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and can be managed within primary care as follows and do not require referral to secondary care (see appendix 5). Patients should be appropriately assigned a ‘read code’ with a HIGH priority with the correct date of diagnosis. This will populate the patient within SCI-Diabetes where their diagnosis will be checked by a Fife external Validator*. The patient will also be enrolled in the Diabetes Retinopathy Programme. The patient should be assigned an appropriate practice recall for 3-6months following diagnosis to ensure all appropriate care is completed for the patient. SCI-Diabetes READ Codes READ_CODE Description C10E. Type 1 diabetes mellitus C10F. Type 2 diabetes mellitus C10N. Secondary diabetes mellitus L1809 Gestational diabetes mellitus R10D0 [D]Impaired fasting glycaemia R10E. [D]Impaired glucose tolerance (*It is helpful if as much information as possible is recorded on blood forms as all patients diagnosed with diabetes are subject to external validation of their diagnosis. Additional information e.g. whether the blood sample is fasting, symptomatic, thirst, previous raised glucose etc. helps validators’ understand how a diagnosis is reached) Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 6 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Initial Consultation This may need to be delivered over one or more appointments. Each patient will receive the following at their initial consultation including all the elements of the annual review which are listed below: Initial counselling and information on their diabetes diagnosis taking into consideration patients concerns, feelings, existing knowledge and health beliefs. Provision of initial educational booklets e.g. from Diabetes UK Referral for Patient Education Classes. This should be encouraged as an essential part of their diabetes care (see appendix 4 referral form and appendix 5). Referral to community podiatry. Referral to practice dietitian via SCI-Gateway and appointment in practice if available. Arrange pneumococcal vaccination and influenza vaccination Annual review as per below Annual Review Each patient will receive An annual holistic review encompassing all aspects of diabetes care with the Practice Nurse or GP with a specialist interest in diabetes (preferably with additional training in Diabetes e.g. Warwick or Bradford diploma in diabetes). A mutually agreed action plan for their diabetes care and a hand held patient held record (either printed from SCI-Diabetes or practice’s own). Patients should be given information on Diabetes UK and My Diabetes My Way where they can access their own diabetes record on line. At the annual review patients to have: Height Weight BMI BP Smoking status discussed and advice given if smoking and where agreement referral made to the smoking cessation service Urinalysis / Albumin: creatinine ratio* (see advice below) U&Es, LFTs, lipids, and HbA1c consider TFT and FBC on diagnosis and every two years thereafter. Discussion of exercise and diet, and alcohol intake; refer to dietitian up to date tailored advice if required (see referral guideline – Appendix 6) Medication concordance Screening for depression Checking of foot screening (refer to podiatrist if not screened in last 15 months) Checking of eye screening and correct coding has been recorded Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 7 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Targeted education about diabetes care and management Consideration of whether blood glucose monitoring is appropriate for this patient and enquire about hypoglycaemia if patient on a sulphonylurea or insulin. Also discuss driving implications if relevant. Enquire about symptoms of complications: - angina, SOB, claudication, TIAs - neuropathy, erectile dysfunction Discussion of contraception or pre-conceptual counselling as appropriate. Initiation or titration of medications if patient out with agreed targets or refer to GP as appropriate If the patient is on insulin they should also receive advice on: Hypoglycaemia Hyperglycaemia/sick day rules Appropriate home blood glucose monitoring and meter care Injection technique/rotation of sites (lipohypertrophy) /timing/re-suspension Travel letter Personal Identification Driving/DVLA/insurance Insulin dose adjusting or intensification where necessary (see the Insulin Guidance for Type 2 Diabetes) or refer to Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse for advice (see appendix 4 and 5). Blood tests (U&Es, fasting lipids, LFTs and HbA1c) should all be taken at least a week prior to the clinic for annual reviews wherever possible. NB if a patient is at increased risk of hypoglycaemia e.g. on a sulphonylurea or insulin they must NOT fast for their blood tests. Routine review Patients should receive an ‘interim review’ every 3 to 6 months to review their diabetes control and any other concern or failure to reach agreed targets. Patients who have had medication changes should be reviewed at 3 months and if stable, an HbA1c should be done every 6 months. This appointment will usually be shorter and include in most cases: HBA1c (U&E, LFT and Lipids where appropriate) BP Weight Repeat urine albumin/ACR (if previous raised*) Lifestyle issues Concerns, advice, revisit goals and self-management and update of patient held record Initiate medication changes or refer to GP as appropriate * ACR should be measured in a first-pass morning urine specimen once a year. ACR may be measured on a spot sample if a first-pass sample is not provided (but should be repeated on a first-pass specimen if abnormal). Microalbuminuria is confirmed if, in the absence of infection or overt proteinuria, two out of three specimens have an elevated ACR. (See treatment recommendations under BP Target) Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 8 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Targets These will be individualised to the patient in order to balance benefits against side effects and risk and are based on recent evidence base. HbA1c SIGN HbA1c target of 53 mmol/mol among people with type 2 diabetes is reasonable to reduce risk of microvascular and macrovascular disease. A target of 48 mmol/mol may be appropriate at diagnosis QOF target <59mmol/mol Targets should be set for individuals in order to balance benefits against side effects and risk, in particular hypoglycaemia and weight gain. For some vulnerable groups e.g. elderly a higher target may be appropriate. If patients HbA1c is above their individual target at their review appointment they should have lifestyle issues addressed and medication initiated or titrated as appropriate (see NHS Fife formulary; NHS Fife Diabetes Handbook; NHS Fife adapted SIGN Glucose lowering algorithm in Type 2 diabetes – Appendix 3, Dietetic Referral Guidelines – Appendix 6) If patients on maximum tolerated oral therapy and HBA1c above target consider referral to the Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse (see appendix 4 and 5) for initiation of injectables or insulin, unless practice staff trained in initiation of these drugs. Please refer to the NHS Fife Insulin Strategy, Insulin Guidance for Type 2 Diabetes, Dietetic Referral Guidelines – Appendix 6, NHS Fife Exenatide and Liraglutide primary care protocols and CDSN referral criteria below. Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 9 December 2012 Review; December 2014 BP SIGN BP <130/80 QOF BP target <140/80 In people with diabetes and established kidney disease, blood pressure should be reduced to the lowest achievable level to slow the glomerular filtration rate and reduce proteinuria. Patients with diabetes requiring antihypertensive treatment should be provided with lifestyle advice and commenced on An ACE Inhibitor (ARB if ACE Inhibitor intolerant), or a calcium channel blocker, or a thiazide diuretic. Beta blockers and alpha blockers should not normally be used in the initial management of blood pressure in patients with diabetes. For specific hypertension management guidance see British Hypertension Guidance and NHS Fife Formulary. The expectation should be that most patients end up on more than one agent. People with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria should be treated with an ACE inhibitor or an ARB and titrated to maximum tolerated dose irrespective of blood pressure. ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs should be used as agents of choice in patients with chronic kidney disease and proteinuria (≥0.5 g/day, approximately equivalent to a protein/creatinine ratio of 50 mg/mmol) to reduce the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease. Cholesterol/ lipids Total Cholesterol <4mmols/l (QOF <5mmols/l) for patients with diabetes Triglyceride <1.7mmol/l LDL <2mmol/l HDL >1mmol/l (men) and >1.2mmol/l (women) Lipid-lowering drug therapy with simvastatin 40 mg is recommended for primary prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes aged >40 years regardless of baseline cholesterol. If Total Cholesterol remains >4mmols on Simvastatin 40mg change to Atorvastatin 40mgs and titrate up if necessary to 80mgs. Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 10 December 2012 Review; December 2014 If target is not met by the above, there is little outcome evidence to suggest that the addition of fibrates, bile acid sequestrants or nicotinic acid improve cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. If patient <40years with a CVD risk score of >20% using ASSIGN risk calculator initiate Simvastatin 40mg. Please refer to the NHS Fife Heart Disease MCN Management of Cholesterol Guidelines for Stable Disease. If patients have co-morbidity of established vascular disease, targets and guidance will differ. Please refer to the NHS Fife Heart Disease MCN Management of Cholesterol Guidelines Intensive Treatment. Aspirin Low dose Aspirin is not recommended for the primary prevention on vascular disease for patients with diabetes Low dose aspirin is recommended for patients with diabetes and established vascular disease Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 11 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse (CDSN) Complex Patient Referral Criteria (Option 1: Appendix 4) Refer to Secondary Care_____________________________________________ 1. ALL URGENT referrals should be referred to secondary care using the standard secondary care referral form. 2. Symptomatic patients with a blood glucose of greater than 18 that the practice feels should be seen within 2 weeks should be treated as an urgent referral as above. 3. Patients may be referred on to secondary care at the CDSN’s discretion Urgent referrals will be seen within 2 weeks, these patients may be triaged back to the CDSNs for their management as appropriate. Refer to Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse_____________________________ 4. HbA1c >7.5% (59mmol/mol) on 2 occasions in the previous 6 months and on maximum tolerated therapy 5. Any patient newly admitted to a care home, who is on insulin 6. Patient with diabetes, with hyperglycaemia and unexplained weight loss 7. Palliative patients on insulin (changing needs) 8. Any patient on insulin who needs reviewed (hypoglycaemic/hyperglycaemia) 9. Steroid induced hyperglycaemia The Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse Service will see all ROUTINE referrals within 12 weeks however will endeavour to see within 8 weeks from receipt or referral. Patients will be discharged back to GP care once they are stabilised and have achieved their individual glycaemic target. Patients will be provided with a management plan and the CDSN contact details for future advice if necessary. GP surgeries can re-refer any patient if they have future concerns about a patient’s glycaemic control. CDSNs may discharge a patient to secondary care when clinically appropriate For patient Diabetes Service Pathway see appendix 5 Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 12 December 2012 Review; December 2014 USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse Dunfermline &West Fife CHP 01383 623623 x 35882/35127 Kirkcaldy &Levenmouth CHP 01592 892004 / 07774977393 Glenrothes &North East CHP 01337 832114 / 07766558868 Dietitians Dunfermline &West Fife CHP 01383 565348 Kirkcaldy &Levenmouth CHP 01592 643355 ext 22055 Glenrothes &North East CHP 01592 643355 ext 22053 Podiatrists Dunfermline & West Fife Area 01383 722911 Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth Area 01592 645218 Glenrothes & North East Fife Area 01334 465780 Urgent Podiatry: 01592 643366 ext. 28360 or 28882 Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program 01592 226852 Hospital Diabetes Specialist Nurses Queen Margaret Hospital 01383 623623 DSNs: extension 3728 Victoria Hospital Diabetes Centre 01592 648001 Ninewells Hospital Diabetes Centre 01382 632293 Perth Royal Infirmary 01738 473211 Falkirk Royal Infirmary 01324 624000 Other Additional Numbers NHS Fife Stop Smoking Service; 0800 0253000 SCI-DC 01592 226844 My Diabetes My Way; www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk Diabetes UK; www.diabetes.org.uk Diabetes UK Local Support Group; www.diabetes-fife.org.uk Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 13 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Appendix 1: Diagnosing Diabetes Random Blood Glucose ≥7.8mmol/l Repeat as a fasting sample Symptoms of hyperglycaemia Present Single measurement of blood glucose Random glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l Or Absent Perform on 2 separate occasions at least 4 weeks apart Fasting blood Glucose ≥7.0 mmol/l on both occasions Fasting Glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l PATIENT HAS DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENT HAS DIABETES MELLITUS Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 14 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Appendix 2: The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) An OGTT may be considered to establish a diagnosis of diabetes if fasting blood glucose values fall into an equivocal range (e.g. FPG between 6 and 6.9 mmol/L) but clinical suspicion of diabetes remains. A single dose of 75g oral glucose in water is given in the following way: Perform OGTT after at least 3 days of unrestricted diet (> 150g CHO daily) Fast patient overnight (8-14 hours, water allowed before the test) and rest during the test. Samples at times other than 0 and 2 hours are not necessary for diagnosis. Diagnostic interpretation of OGTT is different in pregnancy (see pregnancy section) OGTT RESULTS Fasting plasma glucose < 6.0 mmol/l 6.1–6.9 mmol/l and 2 hour plasma glucose Management Normal No follow up 7.0 or and 7.8–11.0 mmol/l 11.1 < 7.8 mmol/l < 7.8 mmol/l Diagnosis < 7.0 mmol/l IFG IGT Annual fasting plasma glucose and CVD risk assessment DIABETES Diabetes Management Diabetes UK and the ADA recommend annual fasting blood glucose measurements in those with IFG/IGT along with life style advice Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 15 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Appendix 3: Algorithm for glucose-lowering in Type 2 Diabetes (Adapted from SIGN 116) 1st LINE OPTIONS in addition to lifestyle measures; START ONE OF; Biguanide (Metformin if intolerant consider MFMR) The SHADED boxes show the preferred treatment options; however clinical assessment should always guide treatment choices taking into consideration the implications of weight gain and risk of hypoglycaemia. Sulphonylurea (SU); If intolerant of metformin or If weight loss/osmotic symptoms If patient’s target HbA1c not achieved 2nd LINE OPTIONS in addition to lifestyle measures, adherence to medication and dose optimisation; ADD ONE OF Thiazolidinedione (Glitizone) If hypos a concern (e.g. driving, occupation, at risk of falls) and If no congestive heart failure If patient overweight and likely to be insulin resistant, use of glitazone preferred Sulphonylurea (SU) If weight loss/osmotic symptoms DPP-IV inhibitor (Gliptin) If hypos a concern (e.g. driving, occupational hazards, at risk of falls) If weight gain a concern If patient’s target HbA1c not achieved 3rd LINE OPTIONS in addition to lifestyle measures, adherence to medication and dose optimisation; ADD OR SUBSTITUTE WITH ONE OF Sulphonylurea (SU); If weight loss/osmotic symptoms ORAL (continue MF/SU if tolerated) INJECTABLE (if willing to self inject; continue MF/SU if tolerated Thiazolidinedione (Glitizone) If no congestive heart failure If hypos a concern (e.g. driving, occupation, at risk of falls) Insulin (inject before bed) If osmotic symptoms/rising HbA1c; add intermediate acting (NPH) insulin initially If hypo risk a concern or patient under district nurse care, consider using basal analogue insulin as an alternative Add prandial insulin with time if required Pre-mixed insulins DPP-IV inhibitor (Gliptin) If hypos a concern (e.g. driving, occupational hazards, at risk of falls) If weight gain a concern GLP-1 agonists If BMI > 30kg/m² If a desire to loose weight Usually < 10 years from diagnosis All medication changes should be reviewed after 6 months; if not effective, stop and consider alternative therapies. Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 16 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Appendix 4: Referral to Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse Service Name: Date of Birth/CHI: Address: GP: Telephone: Mobile: Telephone: Date of Diagnosis: Type 1 Type 2 Height: BMI: HbA1c (date): Weight: Name of person making referral: Type of Referral: New: BP: Telephone: Re-referral: Urgent: Routine: Reason For Referral: Option 1 (please tick) Option 2 (please tick) Option 3 (please tick) Complex Patient / Glycaemic Control Review Group Education for Patients Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (conversation maps) Ongoing Group Education for Type 2 Diabetes Patients Can attend Locality Clinic: Would like to attend: Basic Education (option 2): Housebound requires Home visit: Would attend if held in The evening: X-PERT Education: Joint Clinic with GP Staff: A Patient summary including all Medications and PMH must be attached for Patients referred for Option 1. Other Relevant Information: Unable to attend: Reason; Insulin Group Education: Please send referral form to the appropriate Diabetes Specialist Nurse: Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 17 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Appendix 5; Key components for Diabetes Services Pathway All type 1 Diabetes, except those; Housebound or in care homes New type 2 Diabetes Housebound or in Care Homes Primary Care Management Urgent referral for Type 2 Complex Gestational or planning pregnancy Patient Education: Conversation Maps (Option 2) CDSN Intermediate Specialist Service (Option 1) If poor control and/or complex needs. Insulin/GLP Initiation Ongoing Structured Patient Education (Option 3) If further complexities Secondary Care Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 18 December 2012 Review; December 2014 Appendix 6 Dietetic Referrals for Adults Diabetes Protocol for General Practice Issue; 1 Fife Diabetes MCN 19 December 2012 Review; December 2014