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The International
Diabetes Federation (IDF) is calling for urgent action to
slow the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes by identifying
high-risk patients and preventing complications by more aggressive
management of blood glucose control.
According
to the IDF, many doctors have been too complacent about the
need for tight blood glucose control, which results in many
patients being poorly motivated to control their condition.
"Type
2 diabetes is not a 'mild' form of diabetes," said Professor
Sir George Alberti, IDF President. "More aggressive control
of the whole blood glucose profile is essential if we are
to prevent the life-threatening complications of diabetes."
The key
to preventing diabetic complications is to achieve tight control
of blood glucose and control of other cardiovascular disease
risk factors, said a statement from the IDF. However, the
majority of patients with type 2 diabetes do not achieve adequate
control of their blood glucose levels, particularly their
post-meal glucose.
Early
detection of the condition is also vital. "Affluent nations
should be screening high-risk groups, such as people who are
obese, have a family history, or are from ethnic groups pre-disposed
to the condition," said Alberti.
People
with Impaired Glucose Tolerance should be managed much more
aggressively with lifestyle change and weight control and
drug therapy for lifestyle advice failures, stressed Alberti.
Source:
Medical Week staff,
week of June 16, 2002
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