The prevention of diabetes and its complications
Announcement of a new WHO technical report on the prevention of diabetes and its complications
Why action is needed now
It is no exaggeration to describe diabetes as one of the major contributors to ill health and premature mortality worldwide. Globally, across all ages, it is estimated that at least 1 in 20 deaths are attributable to diabetes, and in adults aged 35 to 64 the proportion is at least 1 in 10 deaths. If the current trend continues it is estimated that by 2030 the number of people with diabetes will more than double. Most of this increase will be due to a 150% increase in developing countries, where the greatest burden will fall on men and women in their economically productive years. Because of its long term complications, diabetes is an extremely costly disease. For example, it is estimated that between 2.5 and 15% of health care budgets worldwide are devoted to diabetes, depending upon its prevalence and the level of technology. The so called “indirect costs”, to individuals, families and the broader community are harder to quantify but are substantial.
However, as this new technical report will show, there is much that can be done. A substantial proportion of the predominant type of diabetes, type 2, can be prevented through the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating and the prevention of obesity. As for people with diabetes, their quality of life can be largely preserved, and their risk of long term complications reduced, through the provision of effective health care and education.
How this report will help
This report is one of a series of initiatives that are being undertaken by the World Health Organization, in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation, to provide guidance and support for the prevention of diabetes and its complications. Since the last WHO technical report on this subject, published in 1995, much new evidence has accrued. The report will provide a succinct, authorative and up to date account of the scientific evidence.
It is intended to be particularly useful to health care policy makers, but should also be a valuable resource to health carers and lay people with an interest in diabetes. A consultation process, undertaken by WHO and the International Diabetes Federation between November 2003 and February 2004 as part of the establishment of the joint programme "Diabetes Action Now", confirmed the demand for a new report of this kind, especially from those working in low- and middle-income settings.
Contents
- The impact of diabetes on individuals and populations
- Pathophysiology and risk factors for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Evidence for the prevention of type 2 diabetes
- Prospects for the prevention of type 1 diabetes
- Evidence for the prevention of diabetes-related complications
- Guidance on implementing the evidence, including population-based and high-risk approaches to the prevention of type 2 diabetes, and approaches to delivering effective health care.
Authors and production
The report has been written by a small team of world experts, both outside and within the World Health Organization. It will go out for final review and comment to a wide range of experts from all regions of the world.
Read the report
The report will be available in print, and on the WHO web site by the end of 2006. To download this report, please return to the publications section of this website later in the year.