Regional diagnostic and therapeutic care pathways for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: analysis and considerations

Introduction: The diagnostic and therapeutic care pathways (DTCP) are key tools in the health system, as they provide detailed indications for the management of complex diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. They aim to ensure appropriate and equitable standards of care, integrating different healthcare professionals and actively involving patients. The present paper analyses 12 DTCPs related to the management of type 2 diabetes, adopted in different Italian regions. Methods: The evaluation of the DTCPs was conducted considering a series of relevant aspects from an evidence-based medicine perspective. Results: The examination shows that the different documents are not developed following an established model. Although there is a common reference to the “Italian Standards of Care”, there are significant differences in their implementation. A variety of modalities of communication between operators and patients are described. Process indicators are generally present, but update and monitoring strategies are lacking. Discussion: The study confirms that DTCPs are a valid tool for the integration of health services, and that the implementation of digital technologies represents a key point for an efficient and effective management of the DTCPs themselves. The role of laboratory professionals in diabetes DTCPs currently appears marginal and this needs to be amended. In the future, the use of artificial intelligence could further revolutionize the management to DTCPs, making them more effective and accessible.