ABSTRACT
This chapter, by discussing diabetes, examines the implications for primary care of another specific condition. It specifically considers the challenges facing practi tioners and policy makers arising from the high and rising prevalence of diabetes in South Asian people compared to the white7 population. Although diabetes may present in different ways and includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes, discussion in this chapter will be limited to type 2 diabetes, which comprises more than 85 per cent of all people with diabetes. The chapter is in four sections. The first considers the 'burden7 of diabetes and explores possible explanations for the high prevalence of diabetes among South Asian populations. The second section considers diabetes in the clinical context and discusses associated complications of diabetes as well as possible risk factors. The third part focuses on the question of whether we can improve clinical care for diabetes in South Asian people, and considers the argu ments for improving access, understanding cultural perceptions, raising awareness and education. The potential impact of the new primary care trusts and National Service Framework for Diabetes is also explored. The final section discusses stra tegies for preventing diabetes and improving diabetes care in South Asian people.
