The newly diagnosed diabetic must first have the seriousness of the acute illness assessed. The doctor must establish rapport and explain that dietary (and drug) compliance is associated with a good prognosis.
The impact of a diagnosis of diabetes must not be underestimated and must be predicted in the light of the patients existing conceptions.
Many newly diagnosed type II diabetics are not acutely ill. With careful supervision a diabetic diet can be introduced for several months before deciding whether drugs are indicated.
The doctor must decide if insulin is indicated or whether the patient should be admitted to hospital.
At least one centre in the U.K. has a policy of managing newly diagnosed childhood diabetes from the home with no hospital admission. This is thought to make the patient more confident and independent.
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