Diabetes mellitus epidemiology-classification, determinants, and public health impacts

Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common disease with major public health implications. Although much has been written regarding the clinical manifestations, treatment, and pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, it remains a major problem whose rate is increasing. This article assimilates this essential information and presents diabetes from an epidemiological perspective illustrating its preventable nature and the public health necessity of confronting this emerging epidemic. Diabetes is defined conceptually and operationally. The prevalence, incidence, mortality, morbidity, cost to society, and the effectiveness of treatment and prevention are discussed. Primary preventable measures involving weight management, exercise, and glycemic control can reduce microvascular complications in diabetic patients. Macrovascular complications can be reduced by aggressive management of high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia. Early interventions can reduce specific disease complications such as end-stage renal disease, blindness, and lower extremity amputations. Future research is needed to address the implementation of effective and innovative interventions that reduce the occurrence of diabetes and its complications.