Developing a New Dutch Diabetes Guideline
Contributing clinical expertise to future-proof diabetes care
Background
Diabetes care is evolving rapidly. Continuous glucose monitoring, new diabetes medications and an increasing focus on self-management have significantly changed daily clinical practice. To ensure that healthcare professionals can continue to provide high-quality, evidence-based care, existing Dutch diabetes guidelines need to evolve alongside these developments. A national working group is therefore developing a new, comprehensive diabetes guideline for healthcare professionals involved in the care of adults with diabetes.
Project Overview
The new guideline will bring together and thoroughly revise two existing Dutch guidelines on self-monitoring of blood glucose and insulin administration by pen. Rather than simply updating these documents, the project aims to develop a practical, evidence-based and future-proof guideline that reflects current diabetes care. The guideline development process combines scientific evidence with the expertise of healthcare professionals and the perspectives and experiences of people living with diabetes.
Diabeter’s contribution
Sue Holleman, nurse practitioner at Diabeter, is a member of the V&VN Diabetes Care guideline committee and serves as chair of the working group developing the new guideline. Through this role, Diabeter contributes clinical expertise and experience from daily diabetes care to a national initiative aimed at improving the quality and consistency of diabetes care. The multidisciplinary working group includes diabetes nurses, nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals, as well as patient representation. A broader advisory group provides additional expertise from relevant professional organisations.
What will the new guideline cover?
The guideline will address topics that have become increasingly important in modern diabetes care, including glucose monitoring and sensor use, self-management, interpretation of glucose data, injection techniques, fear of needles, psychosocial support related to injectable medication, and the division of responsibilities between healthcare professionals. Particular attention will also be given to the needs of different groups of people with diabetes, including older adults, people with limited health literacy, people with a migration background and people with physical disabilities.
Help shape the future of diabetes care
Developing a guideline that truly supports everyday diabetes care requires input from healthcare professionals working in the field. As the project progresses, the working group is looking for healthcare professionals who are willing to contribute their knowledge and practical experience to the development and evaluation of the new guideline.
Are you a healthcare professional involved in diabetes care and interested in contributing? We invite you to get involved and help shape a practical, evidence-based guideline that meets the needs of both healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes. Interested in participating? Please contact Sue[name/contact details] for more information.
Read the original article by Sue Holleman on DiabetesPro.