Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – Latest Guidelines: Pharmacists Module 4, 2017

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Diabetes is one of the largest health emergencies of the 21^st century. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, high blood glucose is the third highest risk factor for premature mortality, after high blood pressure and tobacco use.  Many people, however, remain largely unaware of the current impact of diabetes and its complications. It has been estimated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that globally over  400 million people have diabetes and as many as 193 million or close to half (46.5%) of these are unaware of their disease. 

The development of type 2 diabetes is characterised by a progressive decline in insulin action and relentless deterioration of pancreatic beta (β)-cell function and hence, insulin secretion. The earlier the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made, the better the chances of preventing harmful and costly complications. Complications due to diabetes are a major cause of disability, reduced quality of life and premature death. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death among people with diabetes and can account for 50% or more of deaths due to diabetes in some populations.

There is an urgent need to screen, diagnose and provide appropriate care to people with diabetes. This Module focuses on the recently published Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA) 2017 Guidelines for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.