Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex, chronic group of metabolic diseases characterised by hyperglycemia which can be associated with insulin secretion and insulin action defects or both. It is a massive health issue burdening the global population. The Trinidad and Tobago population epitomises this worldwide epidemic with a high DM prevalence of 14.8%. The economic strain caused by DM on the Trinidad and Tobago economy is extortionate with the mean diabetes related expenditure per person with diabetes reported as US $1209.70 in 2021.

This economic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is mainly attributable to the co-morbidities which can be prevented with proper disease management and education. Effective management of this disease can reduce many of the complications thus reducing the cost of diabetes in the future. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are important in this effect, as it provides the practitioner with the instruments to make guided decisions to provide better patient care and disease management.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of care in known diabetic patients in public health facilities by assessing provider adherence to common fundamental diabetes management guidelines. This study also examined the glycemic prescribing patterns amongst diabetes patients. To fulfil the objectives, an eight-part chart audit instrument was designed. The study was retrospective in nature and collected demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data from 101 diabetic patient charts.

Analysing provider adherence to CPGs can ensure that patients receive care that is based on the best available evidence. In addition, despite the existence of CPGs, there is often significant variation in the care provided to patients with diabetes. The findings of this work would help determine if the standard of care is at optimal levels and would help identify areas of variation, plan interventions to improve care, encourage accountability for care quality and providers' participation in ongoing quality improvement initiatives.

Friday 16^th June, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Mrs. Farren Bhandari is a two-time graduate of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). She holds a Diploma in Process Engineering and a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Biomedical Engineering from UTT. She has held internships at Cardiovascular Associates Ltd. (CVA), the North West Regional Health Authority, and as a Research Assistant while a student at UTT.

For the past five years, Mrs. Bhandari has worked in the fields of public health and medical research, where she has developed skills in research methodology, data analysis, and ethical application.

Mrs. Bhandari is currently a Research Officer at the North Central Regional Authority where she has worked with several entities to ensure that their research activities adhere to established ethical standards. She has also been involved in the development and implementation of research protocols, informed consent procedures, and data protection policies. As part of her current portfolio, she is actively involved with creating and analysing large hospital datasets to inform public health interventions and policy decisions.

In her free time, she enjoys reading and travelling, as well as attending conferences and seminars on the latest trends and advancements in the field. She hopes that the results of this work will be useful in directing interventions to enhance care in diabetic patients.