Diabetes prevention: perspectives and actions of one company

Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and globally, highlighting the need for major improvements in treatment strategies for detecting, preventing, and slowing disease progression. Despite escalating treatment costs, diabetes care remains largely substandard, with hospitalizations for late-stage complications in particular placing a major burden on the healthcare system. Although considerable advances have been made in identifying the risk factors of diabetes and developing treatments, goals targeting prevention have remained elusive. Although there is currently no consensus regarding terminology among public health practitioners, the concept of prevention in terms of diabetes care runs the gamut from interventions used to avoid disease in individuals without risk factors (primordial prevention) to prevention of the consequences of established complications (quaternary prevention). Given the worldwide prevalence of diabetes, it is crucial to improve the quality of care for those diagnosed with overt diabetes, as well as those who have been identified as at risk for developing the disease. Earlier screening enables undiagnosed, asymptomatic individuals with diabetes to be identified sooner, managed more effectively, and where necessary, treated with the appropriate pharmacotherapeutic options in a timely manner. All stakeholders (including government, industry, professional, and patient groups) must partner in concert to address these vital issues so that treatment goals ultimately may be realized.