Best practices in the care of type 2 diabetes: integrating clinical needs with medical policy and practice.

An estimated 1 in 4 Americans either has diabetes or is at increased risk of developing it in their lifetime. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in America and can often lead to other major medical issues, including heart disease and blindness. Furthering the diabetes dilemma is that almost half of all diabetes patients' glycosylated hemoglobin levels are not controlled properly. There are, however, several programs that have been instituted to help deal with uncontrolled diabetes. It is most likely that a combination of 2 or more of these programs will be necessary for patients to become successful in managing their diabetes in a cost-effective manner. In the short term, costs may rise due to an increase in medications and physician visits, but in the long term these program regimens should offer financial relief from further diabetes complications and hospital visits.