ABSTRACT
Chronic hyperglycaemia has profound metabolic consequences, which lead to tissue damage in many organs. Diabetic patients therefore have greater morbidity and a higher mortality rate than non-diabetic people due to the development of microvascular complications and macrovascular disease. As there is now clear evidence that good glycaemic control can delay the development of these complications, the aim of diabetes management must be to strive for as good glycaemic control as is possible within the constraints set by the dangers of hypoglycaemia and the patient’s lifestyle and cultural characteristics. Thorough long-term follow-up involving motivation, monitoring of glycaemic control and prevention or early detection of complications is essential. Both primary and secondary care sectors are involved in this long-term follow-up.
