International Diabetes Experts Call for Stepped-Up Action and Shared Responsibility to Curb Rising Global Diabetes Epidemic ...(p important third pillar supporting...)

important third pillar supporting the foundation for a change in

diabetes care.

* Improved public understanding is critical for early diagnosis and

prevention of diabetes.

* Successful public awareness in primary prevention measures should adopt

a holistic, multidisciplinary approach with comprehensive diabetes

training for healthcare professionals to ensure consistency of

information.

* A patient-centred management strategy has proven successful in

motivating individuals to actively self-manage their condition.

* Prevention programmes should encompass the wider problem of obesity and

sedentary lifestyles and involve other sectors including food

industries.

* Regular reporting and benchmarking are important to assess the impact

of new strategies.

"By changing the way we approach diabetes, we can make a difference in preventing this disease, slowing its progression and reducing its devastating complications," stressed Professor Del Prato. "By building understanding of diabetes, fostering a multidisciplinary team approach with shared goals and responsibilities backed by a supportive infrastructure; and implementing coordinated campaigns of complementary activities, we can build long-term improvements in diabetes care."

Global Prevalence of Diabetes

Worldwide, diabetes currently affects 246 million people. By 2025, it is expected to affect almost 400 million and the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates increases in diabetes rates will occur in developing countries because of population growth, ageing, unhealthy diets, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Further, WHO estimates that in 2025, most people with diabetes in developed countries will be aged 65 years or older, while in developing countries most people aged 35 to 64 will be affected in their most productive years. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts th
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