Prediabetes screening, treatment, and follow-up in primary health care: a cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to describe routines for screening, treatment, and follow-up for prediabetes at primary health care centres in Region Stockholm, Sweden. Method(s) The study had a cross-sectional design. We sent a questionnaire about prediabetes screening, treatment, and follow-up to diabetes nurses working at primary health care centres in Region Stockholm. Data collection started in October 2019 and ended in June 2021. Result(s) A total of 84 of the 224 centres that received an invitation responded (37.5%). Routines for screening, treatment, and follow-up varied widely. This variation meant that people with prediabetes received different care, and the care depended on clinical practice routines at the primary health care centre they attended. Conclusion(s) A first step toward more consistent, adequate and equitable care should involve developing national and regional guidelines that include a clear and systematic approach to prediabetes screening, treatment and follow-up. Sufficient funding and human resources will be crucial to implementing these guidelines in primary care to help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.