Diabetes Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have released a new edition of the “Diabetes Handbook” to equip general practitioners (GPs) with updated, evidence-based guidelines.

Diabetes Australia has supported the RACGP in updating the handbook in order to further upskill GPs to provide the best possible diabetes care.

The updated handbook provides GPs and other healthcare professionals with robust tools and insights to improve care for people living with diabetes across Australia.

The updates come at a critical time when type 2 diabetes impacts over 1.3 million Australians. Diabetes now factors in nearly 12% of GP consultations, underscoring the need for updated clinical resources to manage this complex condition effectively.

In addition to traditional medical guidance, the handbook features new sections focused on supporting diabetes remission and managing complications.

The latest research reveals that some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission, (a state where blood glucose levels remain within a healthy range without glucose-lowering medication), especially when diagnosed early and with active management. This groundbreaking addition offers both hope and structured pathways for people who want to attempt remission.

The updated handbook also addresses the expanding landscape of therapeutics, including newer pharmacological agents like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Amid recent shortages of semaglutide—a weight-loss medication now also prescribed for diabetes management—the handbook clarifies the use and availability of such medications, providing clarity to GPs.

Further, the revised guidelines expand on caring for people living with diabetes with additional health concerns, such as cognitive decline, hearing impairment, and mental health challenges, ensuring holistic patient care. The inclusion of technology-focused recommendations empowers GPs with insights into emerging tools that can streamline diabetes management for patients.

By strengthening the knowledge and resources available to primary care providers, Diabetes Australia and the RACGP underscore their commitment to improving the lives of Australians with diabetes.

The updated “Diabetes Handbook” equips GPs with the latest research and practical guidance, ultimately enabling them to deliver patient-centered care and potentially transformative outcomes in diabetes management.

This initiative, launched on World Diabetes Day, represents a milestone in the ongoing 25-year collaboration between Diabetes Australia and the RACGP.