Background

In type 2 Diabetes, there are eight different classes of antidiabetic drugs including Metformin, Sulfonylureas, DPP4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP1 agonist, TZD, Acarbose and Insulin. In each class, there are different drugs; for each drug there are different doses, and we also have different combinations with Metformin. With recent update, there are different PBS criteria for the drugs within one class e.g. DPP4 inhibitors and TZD. Added to the complexity of mono, dual and triple therapy in according to PBS criteria, ADS guidelines recommends different HbA1c targets for different patient groups. All of these may result in decision fatigue for GPs.

Aims: 

We develop a simple computer program that can assist GPs to work out target HbA1c and make recommendation for antidiabetic drug choices in according to ADS, RACGP guidelines and PBS criteria.    

Methods

A simple computer program has been developed based on a series of questions collecting data such as new or known diabetes; duration of the disease, complications including hypoglycaemic events; presence of major comorbidity; limited life expectancy, renal function and current therapy.  

Result

The program has been used by GPs in the author’s network and preparing to share with national GPs for feedback and refinement.