People with uncontrolled diabetes are at greater risk for several oral health problems, particularly periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease also impacts diabetes control. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are recommended to prevent and manage oral health problems. Several studies have been conducted to assess the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people with diabetes yet a review of these findings has not yet been undertaken. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize current evidence on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people with diabetes in relation to their oral health care. A systematic search of all literature was carried out in five databases using key search terms. The inclusion criteria were: 1) published in the English language; 2) from 2000 to November, 2017; 3) conducted on persons with any type of diabetes and of all ages; 4) explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitude or practices toward oral health care); and 5) used quantitative methods of data collection. No restrictions were placed on the quality and setting of the study. A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included a total of 27,894 people with diabetes and were conducted in 14 countries. The review found that people with diabetes have inadequate oral health knowledge, poor oral health attitudes, and fewer dental visits. They rarely receive oral health education and dental referrals from their care providers. Provision of oral health education by diabetes care providers and referral to dentists when required, was associated with improved oral health behaviours among patients. Overall, people with diabetes have limited oral health knowledge and poor oral health behaviours. It is therefore essential to educate patients about their increased risk for oral health problems, motivate them for good oral health behaviours and facilitate access to dental care.

Background/Objectives: Achieving a balanced wholefood diet while stabilising glycaemic management is challenging for many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to barriers such as food preparation skills, time, and medication effects. Diabetes-specific nutritional formulas (DSNFs) are nutritionally complete products designed to support glycaemic management and overall nutritional adequacy and may complement wholefood dietary approaches when these are not feasible or are insufficient. Despite growing clinical evidence of efficacy, practical guidance for routine use is limited. Methods: A multidisciplinary expert working group developed a Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) for integrating DSNFs into diabetes care. Development was informed by a literature review and iterative consensus among experts, including representatives of the Australian Diabetes Society, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Results: The CPG outlines a three-step pathway: (1) assess suitability (clinical indications, contraindications, preferences, cultural context); (2) tailor the approach (individual goals, dose/timing relative to weight and body composition goals and observed glycaemic patterns, integration with lifestyle care); and (3) monitor progress (baseline, 2–4 weeks to assess initial response, then 3, 6, and 12 months for glycaemic indices, weight/body composition where available, and medication review). Conclusions: This CPG provides practical, multidisciplinary guidance for the person-centred use of DSNFs as an adjunct to standard care, supporting translation of current evidence into clinical practice and promoting consistent, multidisciplinary implementation.

Background/Objectives: Achieving a balanced wholefood diet while stabilising glycae-mic management is challenging for many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to barri-ers such as food preparation skills, time, and medication effects. Diabetes-specific nutri-tional formulas (DSNF) are nutritionally complete products designed to support glycae-mic management and overall nutritional adequacy and may complement wholefood die-tary approaches when these are not feasible or are insufficient. Despite growing clinical evidence of efficacy, practical guidance for routine use is limited. Methods: A multidisci-plinary expert working group developed a Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) for integrating DSNF into diabetes care. Development was informed by a literature review and iterative consensus among experts, including representatives of the Australian Diabetes Society, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Results: The CPG outlines a three-step pathway: (1) Assess suitability (clinical indications, contraindications, preferences, cultural context); (2) Tailor the approach (indi-vidual goals, dose/timing relative to weight and body composition goals and observed glycaemic patterns, integration with lifestyle care); and (3) Monitor progress (baseline, 2–4 weeks to assess initial response, then 3, 6, and 12 months for glycaemic indices, weight/body composition where available, and medication review). Conclusions: This CPG provides practical, multidisciplinary guidance for the person-centred use of DSNF as an adjunct to standard care, supporting translation of current evidence into clinical prac-tice and promoting consistent, multidisciplinary implementation.