[Prevention of diabetes mellitus]

Problems dealing with the current status of diabetes prevention are discussed. Data on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the main types of diabetes is presented which is based on the original research and international experience in the primary and secondary prophylaxis of this disease. The necessity of an integrated approach to the prophylaxis of diabetes and other chronic non-infectious diseases is emphasized stemming from the concept of common risk factors. The efficacy of programmes on the diet correction in the primary prophylaxis, populational health study, use of automated systems for the determination of risk groups and primary prophylaxis in them, and the system of diabetics' self-control are analysed.