The Royal Australian College of General Practices (RACGP) and Diabetes Australia have united to support GPs in their management of type 2 diabetes with the launch of Management of type 2 diabetes: a handbook for general practice.

GP’s play a central role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes within the community. The number of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is growing, due to factors such as rising overweight and obesity rates, lifestyle and dietary changes and an ageing population. This handbook is pivotal for educating GPs, practice nurses, diabetes educators, and allied health professionals about this chronic condition.

Updates to the diabetes handbook include completely new sections on the following topics:

  • Early-onset type 2 diabetes.
  • Mental health and type 2 diabetes.
  • Management of type 2 diabetes in the elderly and residential aged care facilities.
  • The use of technology in managing type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, significant updates to existing sections include:

  • Reproductive health: removal of advice on the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Managing cardiovascular risk: new recommendation for the use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 ras) in people with type 2 diabetes in the setting of cardiovascular disease and suboptimal glucose control.
  • Managing risks and other impacts of diabetes: inclusion of a new section on diabetes management for people fasting during Ramadan.

The handbook is only available online and can be accessed by visiting racgp.org.au/diabetes-handbook

If you have any questions, please contact our Helpdesk on 8811 7100 or email support@wentwest.com.au

We also have a suite of type 2 diabetes pathways on the Western Sydney  HealthPathways for localised information, including details specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

To access HealthPathways, you will need the general login details. For more information, please contact our HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au

For WSLHD and SCHN Staff, please access HealthPathways via the WSLHD/SCHN Intranet Applications page.