OBJECTIVE. To issue a statement for health care professionals on type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS. The Diabetes Division was established under the auspices of the Hong Kong Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Reproduction. The Division consists of medical and paediatric specialists, as well as health educators, including nurses, podiatrists, and dietitians who have a particular interest in diabetes.

EVIDENCE. The statement was based on evidence from the available scientific literature on diabetes management from Hong Kong and overseas.

CONSENSUS PROCESS. The draft statement was prepared on 16 February 2000 by a working group of diabetologists working in the public and private sectors. It was presented to the Council of the Diabetes Division on 7 March 2000 and approved by the Council of the Hong Kong Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Reproduction on 11 March 2000.

CONCLUSIONS. Type 2 diabetes mellitus affects people of all ages and is a massive public health problem. The criteria used to diagnose diabetes mellitus have recently been revised. Physicians require increased vigilance to screen for glucose intolerance in individuals who have risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are now recommended cost-effective procedures for the optimal management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which emphasise regular monitoring, the control of both diabetes and associated risk factors, and self-management. To address this public health problem, concerted efforts by health care professionals and public bodies are needed to increase levels of awareness and improve the standard of care.

Key words: Cooperative behavior; Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent; Hong Kong; Patient education; Public health; Risk factors

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