[Evidence-based medicine in diabetes mellitus. Expert guidelines a the basis for medical practice and information for patients and the population in general].

The integrated DDG diabetes guidelines, comprising an evidence-based version compiled by experts, one generated by therapists and practitioners and a patient/citizen version, are adequate tools for improving the care of patients in daily medical practice. It is the goal of this guidelines programme to ensure that the core statements on diabetes mellitus, its concomitant diseases and sequelae be imparted uniformly, so as to highlight medical care deficits and improve significantly communication and co-operation with regard to the treatment of chronically ill patients.