The challenge of undiagnosed pre-diabetes, diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease
Received 7 August 2009; accepted 24 October 2009. published online 26 November 2009.
Abstract
Objective
To present the challenges of undiagnosed pre-diabetes, diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease.
Results
A substantial number of people with diabetes and pre-diabetes remain undiagnosed worldwide. Without preventive measures, pre-diabetes progresses to overt diabetes at the rate of approximately 5% per year. Both diabetes and pre-diabetes are associated with vascular complications.
Conclusion
Undiagnosed pre-diabetes and diabetes is a major health problem, and we recommend widespread screening for diabetes. An international expert committee has recommended that HbA1c be used for the diagnosis of diabetes. Further studies are needed before HbA1c can be used as a diagnostic test for gestational diabetes.
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
Corresponding author. Address: Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, B323, Clinical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Tel.: +1 517 353 3730; fax: +1 517 432 1326.
1 Present address: Cape Diabetes and Endocrinology and Cape Thyroid Center, Saint Francis Diabetes Center, 17 Doctors Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, USA.
ABSTRACT