Getting advances in science to make a difference: Translation research for improving diabetes care

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.