International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 2019

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) published an updated version of its flagship ‘Diabetes Atlas’ in 2019. The atlas covers evidence on the impact of diabetes worldwide, including recommendations for testing and screening.

The atlas features recommended ongoing indicators to monitor diabetes management as follows:

• HbA1c
• Total cholesterol
• HDL-cholesterol
• LDL-cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Microalbuminuria (albumin creatinine ratio)
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Assessment of these parameters screens diabetic patients for the development of renal complications, retinopathy, neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and foot ulceration. The atlas points out that it is vital to manage glucose levels, blood pressure and blood lipid levels and to assess metabolic control on a regular basis (at least annually).

In addition, the authors highlight that in 2019, one in two (50.1%), or 231.9 million of the 463 million adults living with diabetes, were unaware that they had the condition. These estimates point to an urgent need for rapid detection and improved global screening of diabetes. Prolonged undiagnosed diabetes can have negative effects, such as a higher risk of diabetes related complications, increased healthcare use and related costs.

The 2019 diabetes atlas can be accessed here.

COL-08883 10/2021