Comparative analyses of type 2 diabetes mellitus care at primary and tertiary healthcare settings in Malta: A cross-sectional study

Objectives Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic, with 537 million adults living with DM in 2021, out of which 90% suffer from type 2 DM (T2DM). Malta, a European country, is no exception. Different global organizations have set forward DM care guidelines. The study aims to explore whether DM guidelines are utilized as part of the standard care practice in Malta across both primary and tertiary settings. Material and Methods An anonymous literature-based questionnaire was developed by the authors and disseminated among doctors working at the only state’s hospital endocrinology department and primary healthcare. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results Discrepancies in guideline usage were observed between participants, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines being mostly favored by participants irrespective of their place of work. Conclusion Management of T2DM patients in Malta appears to be following different care plans, resulting in potentially different investigations and treatments. It is, therefore, advisable that a local guideline is created to ensure a standardized care plan among all T2DM in Malta. This will enable homogenous treatment between primary and tertiary care.