Extract: By the end of the 20th century the worldwide diabetes pandemic had affected an estimated 171 million individuals. Unfortunately, the future looks even worse. By 2030, approximately 366 million people will have diabetes. This disease accounts for an extraordinary amount of human suffering, it is a major cause of
blindness,
kidney failure,
amputations, and
cardiovascular disease, and its complications substantially reduce both the quality and length of life. In addition, diabetes imposes staggering economic costs while lowering productivity and wasting social capital. Fortunately, several efficacious treatments are currently available to reduce or prevent diabetes-related health problems.
Blood sugar and blood pressure control can reduce microvascular (retinopathy and nephropathy) complications; eye examinations with timely follow-up and
photocoagulation can prevent vision loss; foot care can decrease serious
foot disease and
amputations; control of blood pressure and
lipids as well as
aspirin use can prevent or diminish
cardiovascular disease events;
angiotensin-converting enzyme (
ACE) inhibitors can reduce nephropathy and
cardiovascular disease; and
influenza and
pneumococcal vaccines can reduce hospitalizations, respiratory conditions, and death.