Meetoo, D and Allen, G 2010, 'Understanding diabetes mellitus and its management: an overview' , Nurse Prescribing 2010 8(7) 320-326, 8 (7) , pp. 320-326.

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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong metabolic disorder characterized by a chronically elevated blood glucose level resulting from an absolute or relative shortage of insulin. This condition is fast becoming a global health concern threatening to reach pandemic proportions. Today there are around 250 million people worldwide who are living with this condition and this fi gure is predicted to rise to 366 million in the next twenty years. This increase will be particularly evident in developing countries which experience the double burden of diabetes and infectious diseases. A more concerted, strategic and multi-sectorial policy approach, underpinned by solid research is essential to improve human behaviour and lifestyle to reverse the negative trends in the global incidence of diabetes. There is also a need for nurses and prescribers to be proactive in ensuring that people with diabetes become experts at managing their condition. In so doing, healthcare systems and resources could be used more effectively to reduce human, social and economic impact of this devastating condition.

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