Lessons Learned from the IDF

Since the 17^th International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress in Mexico City in November 2000, some critical issues have been lingering in my mind.

First, diabetes is a worldwide epidemic, affecting people at all socio-economic levels. Rich or poor, young or old, thin or obese—diabetes crosses all boundaries and barriers, bringing with it serious and life-threatening consequences.

Second, despite the egalitarian nature of this disease, not all nations are able to offer adequate and timely treatment. As the state of the science of diabetes care advances, new treatment modalities may be inaccessible to the populations most in need of care.

There are many reasons for this. Limited resources may make treatments too expensive. Medications not manufactured locally …