Diabetes Mellitus and its management : an introductory overview

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders worldwide. By 2010, the number of people with diabetes is expected to exceed 350 million1. Diabetic complications cause considerable morbidity in 5- 10% of these patients, with diabetic complications accounting for 4% of hospital admissions2. Malta is no exception with statistics gathered in 1987 indicating that 10% of adults aged 35 and over had diabetes while another 13% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). This problem is found in other Mediterranean island communities (Cyprus, Sardinia, Sicily, Pantelleria) where a prevalence of 5% is found3. Opportunities for interacting with the diabetic patient are numerous and the pharmacist is ideally positioned to intervene with the aim of optimising patient treatment. This review will deal with a brief pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications, a good knowledge of which is fundamental since it leads to a clear understanding of the factors to be considered when choosing the appropriate therapy for the individual patient.