title: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control rates in the type-2 diabetic patient population within independent nurse practitioner settings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purposes of this study were to describe the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control rate of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) treated by nurse practitioner (NP) providers, and to describe any significant differences in the population at the LDL-C goal of <100 mg/dL and patients not at goal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic data were collected from a retrospective chart review of patients with (DM2) who were treated in two primary care NP practice settings in New Hampshire where physician collaboration is not required. Data regarding smoking history, lifestyle, comorbidities, and antilipid and antidiabetes medication were collected. Physiological measurements included the body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (A1c), and the LDL-C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with DM2 treated by NP providers were at goal with respect to the LDL-C in 71% of the cases in this study. Statin therapy was prescribed in 60.5% of the cases. Lifestyle management was recommended 92.6% of the time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NPs prescribe appropriate medications, order and monitor laboratory values, in addition to providing education regarding lifestyle changes to patients with chronic diseases. Reported outcomes achieved by NP providers validate them as evidenced-based providers of quality care for patients with complex diseases such as DM2.
authors.affiliation: (Family Nurse Practitioner, Assistant Professor), Department of Family Medicine, Lehigh Valley Physicians Group, Allentown, Pennsylvania (Family Nurse Practitioner, Assistant Professor), Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies, Washington, DC (Family Nurse Practitioner), Landmark Family Healthcare, Manchester, New Hampshire.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Romboli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
keywords: Diabetes type 2; cardiovascular risk; nurse practitioners; outcomes