Diabetes myths and legends: The Iliad and the Odyssey

Abstract

It is a myth that screening of type 2 diabetes is 'a given', that we provide adequate education for patients and that increasing physical activity by simply referring patients to a health trainer can prevent type 2 diabetes. Research in this area is often seen as an easy or soft option. On closer inspection, research of these 'complex' interventions requires rigorously conducted and well designed trials which are difficult to do and even harder to implement. The process of screening for type 2 diabetes is feasible and a number of practice level and self-assessment tools are effective in the multi-ethnic UK population; however, providing the evidence of whether a screening programme will lead to improved patient outcomes is more challenging. Providing structured self-management education in type 2 diabetes can be effective in both biomedical and psychological outcomes, but the role of the educators is key. Such programmes can be cost effective, and can be implemented on an industrial scale whilst maintaining consistency and quality. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour to prevent type 2 diabetes are possible in the UK, and tailored strategies for younger and black/minority ethnic groups are being developed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.