Aim: To determine the relative frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in the US, and to assess diabetes practice patterns in the US.
Method: A questionnaire regarding pediatric diabetes practice patterns was distributed to the members of the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society in 1999. Only one member of each practice group was requested to respond. Responses received through early 2000 were analyzed.
Results: One hundred and twenty-six practices representing 45% of the members of the Society responded. 11.9% of pediatric patients with DM were considered to have type 2 DM. On average 53 new patients with DM were seen each year. The average practice consisted of 2.5 physicians, 1.5 nurse educators, 1.3 dieticians, 1.0 social workers and 0.5 nurse practitioners. Management practices comply by and large with the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association and reflect a trend toward more intensive treatment and monitoring.
Conclusion: Type 2 DM was seen in 11.9% of patients. Most diabetes practices in the US utilize a team approach to the management of youth with DM.