Prevention of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus - a chronic, often debilitating disease with severe complications, including blindness, heart and kidney disease and neuropathy - affects many millions of people throughout the world. It is found in almost all populations and is emerging as a growing problem in developing countries. The costs of the disease in terms of human suffering, health care and loss of human resources are high. Improved understanding of the causes and mechanisms of the major types of diabetes mellitus is now providing a basis for preventive activities. This report by an international group of experts outlines the epidemiological situation, presents the current classification and diagnostic criteria and reviews the possibilities for prevention of the main types of diabetes and its complications. It also discusses the introduction of prevention and control programmes and their cost-effectiveness. While further research is needed, the report emphasizes the potential for preventing complications of diabetes and for interventions in groups at high risk of developing the diseases, and urges the implementation of appropriate prevention and control strategies.