Type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention programs
Journal Title: Αρχεία Ελληνικής Ιατρικής - Year 2011, Vol 28, Issue 4
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most costly chronic disease for both the individual and society. Its micro- and macro-vascular complications constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Additional genetic variants interact with various environmental factors in the development of this complex multi-genetic disorder. Various major diabetes prevention trials based on lifestyle and/or medical interventions in high-risk individuals have shown that the process of its natural history, from the preclinical phase of impaired glucose regulation to the appearance of clinical DM, can be stopped. This involves important applications in primary health care. According to the results of the prevention trials, the interventions changing dietary habits and increasing physical activity are the most effective strategies, and should be the first steps in type 2 DM prevention programs. Interventions with administration of drugs such as metformin, acarbose and orlistat also appear effective, but as a second choice, taking into account their side effects and contraindications. Many countries have begun to implement strategies for primary prevention of type 2 DM, although the cost-effectiveness of the models and strategies used have not yet evaluated. The development and implementation of national policies for the prevention of type 2 DM with optimum efficiency and minimum cost is the only way to reduce the personal and socio-economic burden of this disease and its complications.
Authors and Affiliations
M. MATTE, E. VELONAKIS
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP85684
- DOI -
- Views 63
- Downloads 0
Pain management from Homeric to Hippocratic medicine <br />
All ancient folks have dealt with the problem of pain and its management, whether caused by illness or surgical interventions. In the Homeric Epics references are made to various techniques for relieving the pain of pers...
The planning of health services <br /> <br /> <br />
This is a review of issues in health services planning, addressing issues of conventional planning and more specifically its definition, the domains covered, and its limitations. It analyses the concept of strategic plan...
Using the appropriate questionnaire in epidemiological studies
In epidemiological studies the use of appropriate questionnaires for essential data collection is fundamental for achieving validity and reliability. The researchers must firstly determine with clarity their research hyp...
The impact of globalization in the healthcare arena <br /> and the development of a supernational prescriptive framework
The phenomenon of globalization, comprising a combination of economic development, technology and cultural influences, has constituted a controversial issue with positive and negative effects in the healthcare arena. The...
Alternative systems for the provision of pharmacologically assisted treatment of opioid dependence: from strict control to care in the community and Primary Health Care
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the term «treatment» refers to a process, which commences when a patient contacts a health professional or a community service and which is maintained and further diversi...