• Sony Anthony, Tina Odgers, and William Kelly.
• Diabetes Care Centre, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, England.
• J R Soc Promot Health. 2004 Mar 1;124(2):70-3.

AbstractDiabetes mellitus, especially if poorly controlled, is a major contributory cause for blindness, heart attacks, amputations, strokes, kidney failure and impotence. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally. Fortunately there is compelling evidence from clinical trials that lifestyle modifications and education can minimise the risk of diabetes, and new treatments can reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality. We now have modified insulin, infusion pumps, dialysis, kidney and pancreas transplants, and effective therapies for reducing lipids and blood pressure. However, important as these advances are, diabetes and its complications can be prevented, or delayed, by modifying risk factors. Persons with diabetes must understand their disease and be empowered to avoid obesity, smoking and unhealthy diets, and encouraged to exercise, and control blood glucose. Good health education, health promotion and access to professional care are essential for persons with diabetes mellitus. Valuable health information is available from Diabetes UK and the Internet.

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