Increased Doctor Visits Shown to Improve Diabetes Control

Recent research conducted at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, which is located in the United States, shows that type 2 diabetics who made more frequent trips to their doctors were better able to control their blood glucose levels than those diabetics who visited the doctor less frequently.

The study also showed that other health concerns, such as blood pressure and LD, or “bad”cholesterol, were also managed much easier.

In order to arrive at these conclusions, data was collected from the medical records of 26,496 individuals, all of whom had type 2 diabetes. All of the participants in the study also had elevated levels of either hemoglobin A1C, LDL cholesterol or blood pressure. The results covered the period between 2000 and 2009. The number of doctors visits made during this period were also documented.

The results showed that individuals who visited their doctor more frequently were able to achieve their target ranges for blood glucose levels, as well as LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, in a shorter amount of time as opposed to those who made less trips to the doctor.

The diabetics had also noted that the time spent with their doctor had been insufficient, especially directly after they had first received their diagnosis.

The study did not recommend a specific number of visits that are needed and stated that this should be determined strictly on an individual basis. Providers typically check hemoglobin levels of diabetic patients approximately every three months.

The results of the study can be found in the Archives of Internal Medicine.