Abstract

Objective: to evaluate whether educational messages regarding the OGTT indications in the laboratory reports increases the number of OGTT appropriately requested.

Methods: this message was printed on the lab reports of individuals with a FPG between 5.5-6.9 mmol/L: “A FPG between 5.5 and 6.9 mmol/L is considered abnormal by the American Diabetes Association (impaired fasting glucose). An OGTT is recommended if the patient does not have a diagnosis of diabetes and suffers from conditions associated with an increased risk for having type 2 diabetes (i.e. overweight, high blood pressure, abnormal plasma lipids or family history of diabetes)”. The number of educational messages printed was 81,099. Results: the intervention resulted in a significant increase in the number of OGTT requested. The OGTT number increased from 78±19 tests per month to 268±48 per month. The intervention resulted in a greater proportion of cases that had an abnormal OGTT.