ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses some of the main issues related to the management of diabetes that are common to most developing countries, but with emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. Developing countries are experiencing one of the most rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions, which is characterized by increasing life expectancy and lifestyle changes due to economic development. The most often reported atypical form of diabetes in populations of African ancestry is characterized by an initial clinical presentation of type 1 diabetes with severe symptomatic hyperglycemia and ketosis, and a subsequent long-term remission with or without relapses, compatible with type 2 diabetes. The classical symptoms of diabetes, including polyuria and polydipsia, are similar to those seen elsewhere in the world. Diabetes education is the cornerstone of successful diabetes treatment. Diabetes education involving the patient, family, health-care staff, and community should be considered as an integral and equally important component of diabetes treatment, especially in developing countries.
