The challenge of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a growing healthcare challenge worldwide, with significant socioeconomic implications in industrialised and developing nations. Epidemiological studies indicate that diabetes is likely to reach epidemic proportions within the next few decades. A considerable proportion of people either have impaired glucose tolerance with a significant risk of development of diabetes, or have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Many are poorly controlled on existing therapies, with significant implications for patients' quality of life and for healthcare expenditure. Pivotal to reducing the risk of morbidity and the development of complications and mortality is the normalisation of both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Various healthcare initiatives address the attainment of this treatment goal; however, there is still a need for better disease management in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.