The Control of Diabetes Mellitus in the Caribbean Community

Abstract

[Preface]. This is one of two documents produced as a result of the deliberations of a Technical Group Meeting convened to establish guidelines for the management of diabetes and hypertension at the community level. The meeting was held in Castries, Saint Lucia in 1986 and was sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization through the Office of the Caribbean Programme Coordination and the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute. The first part of this document contains the guidelines established for the control of diabetes. Differences in the nature and behaviour of the two main types of diabetes demand differences in approach to their management and this is well reflected in the guidelines. The importance of non-pharmacological measures in management is highlighted. The effectiveness of dietary measures and exercise in the care of the patient with Type II diabetes is reinforced and especially in the case of the obese diabetic, the common frequent rush to the use of oral antidiabetic agents is discouraged. Clear and precise guidelines for the use of these drugs are given; in addition, emphasis is placed on the importance of reviewing the dosage, and even the necessity for continuation of the drugs after satisfactory control has been achieved.