News
Early identification key in tackling global diabetes problem
The incidence of diabetes is reaching epidemic levels around the world.
As 2017 World Diabetes Day dawns, the number of adults living with diabetes has almost quadrupled since 1980 to reach 422 million. However, one in two people with the disease remains undiagnosed.
‘GPs need to identify people at risk of type 2 diabetes, as the disease is preventable by managed early intervention,’ Dr Gary Deed, GP and Chair of the RACGP Diabetes Specific Interests network, told newsGP.
GPs’ focus on preventive healthcare and continuing management of existing conditions means they are firmly at the forefront of diabetes care in Australia.
‘GPs play a central role in type 2 diabetes management across the spectrum, from identifying those at risk right through to caring for patients at the end of life,’ RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel told newsGP.
This year’s World Diabetes Day is focused on women and diabetes. Statistics from the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) show that there are currently over 199 million women living with diabetes, a number projected to increase to 313 million by 2040. Additionally, two out of five women with diabetes are of reproductive age, and the disease may cause trouble with conceiving and poor pregnancy outcomes.
‘GPs need to help women with existing diabetes to prepare for pregnancy, and coordinate their care needs once pregnant to ensure the best outcomes for mother and child,’ Dr Deed said. ‘There are also increasing numbers of women at risk of acquiring gestational diabetes that need care in prevention and management.’
The RACGP provides resources to help GPs diagnose and manage of patients with diabetes:
International-Diabetes-Foundation type-2-diabetes world-diabetes-day
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