Diabetes in the next century: challenges and opportunities

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the two main forms of this chronic disease and represent about 10 and 90% of the total diabetic population, respectively. The prevalence is predicted to double before the year 2010. Measures need to be taken in order to control this enormous rise in both types of diabetes. Adequate, measures can only be taken when the etiology of both of these different diseases is better understood. The current research developments are targeted on immune interventions for type 1 and lifestyle interventions (nutrition and physical activity) for type 2 diabetes. The major challenges for the next century as to the existing patients are to prevent the development of the devastating complications and to ensure a good quality of life. This requires intensive patient education targeted on the achievement of appropriate self management skills, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of microvascular complications and large vessel disease. Meanwhile we are obliged to provide the optimal and evidence-based standards of care to the patients with established disease.