Diabetes is a silent killer that today kills one person every 10 seconds. It is a global drama with devastating human, social and economic impacts. New data recently released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicates that more than 230 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and that this number is sadly expected to rise to over 350 million by 2025 if no action is taken.1
Diabetes is a silent killer that today kills one person every 10 seconds. It is a global drama with devastating human, social and economic impacts. New data recently released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicates that more than 230 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and that this number is sadly expected to rise to over 350 million by 2025 if no action is taken.1
US Endocrine Disease 2006 opens with an article highlighting how diabetes hits the disadvantaged and vulnerable the hardest. Today, 70% of diabetes cases are in low and middle-income countries. In addition, there is strong evidence that in developed countries, socioeconomic factors such as low income and poverty are linked to the accelerated spread of type 2 diabetes.
To do nothing is no longer an option. IDF just launched a campaign for a United Nations Resolution on diabetes, aiming at raising awareness and seeking recognition among policy decision-makers of the global public health challenge at their door. Led by IDF, the “Unite for Diabetes” campaign involves all stakeholders in a concerted effort.2 One among the many objectives is the implementation of cost-effective strategies for the prevention of diabetes and of its complications.
This issue of US Endocrine Disease 2006 includes several articles on various aspects of diabetes management in order to prevent the occurrence of complications. These include tight blood glucose control both in the basal and the postprandial state, self blood glucose monitoring, the use of devices and pens, and insulin, and pregnancy. Articles deal with the possibility of administering insulin through the pulmonary route. An additional section is devoted to alpha and beta cell function and their impact on diabetes management.
If, despite good diabetes management, complications set in, they must be managed effectively. There are two sections focusing on cardiovascular risk and chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes. Another section deals with the management of erectile dysfunction.
While much of US Endocrine Disease 2006 is devoted to the management of diabetes and its complications, there are also sections dealing with other important endocrinology topics. These include pituitary disorders and the management of acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothyroidism. There are two final sections: one devoted to testosterone replacement therapy and the other to testosterone administration for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction.
US Endocrine Disease 2006 would like to thank the contributing individuals, organizations, and media partners for exploring the important issues relating to diabetes and endocrinology, contained within this edition. We wish you an enjoyable and informative read. ■
