Type 2 Diabetes Care in General Practices: A Data Linkage Perspective — The Association Specialists
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  3. Type 2 Diabetes Care in General Practices: A Data Linkage Perspective

Type 2 Diabetes Care in General Practices: A Data Linkage Perspective (23849)

Margo Barr 1 , Margaret Williamson 1 , Damien Cordery 2 , Joel Rhee 3 , Jitendra Jonnagaddala 3 , Brendan Goodger 4
  1. International Centre for Future Health Systems, University of NSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
  2. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  3. School of Clinical Medicine, University of NSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
  4. Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Background
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes and a major contributor to cardiovascular, renal, ophthalmic, and lower limb complications. It places a growing burden on individuals, communities, and health systems worldwide, particularly in ageing populations. Evidence shows that adherence to recommended care standards can reduce complications and improve outcomes. However, assessing how consistently these standards are achieved in routine general practice remains challenging.
This study examined T2DM management in general practices across Central and Eastern Sydney and assessed the benefits and limitations of using an enhanced general practice data linkage resource to support population-level monitoring and service planning.

Methods
We conducted a descriptive analysis using data from general practices in Central and Eastern Sydney participating in the Lumos data linkage asset. Patients with T2DM were identified, and key indicators of recommended care were assessed over two periods: 2019–2020 and 2021–2022. These included monitoring of blood glucose and blood pressure (BP), and completion of clinical measures such as weight, HbA1c, lipid profile, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We also evaluated strengths and limitations of using linked data for routine performance assessment and research applications.

Results
A total of 21,193 patients with T2DM were identified. In 2019–2020, 78% had BP measured twice, 63% had two or more HbA1c results, 47% had weight measured twice, and 72% had at least one eGFR test. Around two-thirds met BP targets, and ~60% achieved optimal glycaemic control. All measures declined in 2021–2022, likely due to COVID-19-related access issues and disruptions to routine care delivery. Challenges included data completeness, consistency, and interpretation.

Conclusion
Despite limitations, linked primary and secondary care data is a valuable tool for understanding real-world T2DM management. These insights can support targeted interventions, inform health service planning, and improve care quality, coordination, and continuity.