Definition, Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications

Recently, there has been major growth in knowledge regarding the aetiology and pathogenesis of different types of diabetes, and about the predictive value of different blood glucose levels for development of complications. In response, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have re-examined the issues, and redefined and updated the classification of and criteria for diabetes. Prior to this review, such information had remained unchanged since 1985.

The Full Report addresses definition and diagnostic criteria for, and classification, clinical staging and aetiological types of, diabetes mellitus and other categories of glucose intolerance. Gestational Hyperglycaemia and the Metabolic Syndrome are also covered.

The major change recommended in the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus is the lowering of the diagnostic value for fasting plasma / blood glucose concentrations. It is hoped that the new classification and fasting criteria will allow better classification of individuals, lead to few therapeutic misjudgements, and facilitate early diagnosis and intervention and help prevent the onset of complications.

These new guidelines for classifying and diagnosing diabetes, published by the WHO, took effect in June 2000.

Website:
International Diabetes Institute (IDI) – http://www.diabetes.com.au/
World Health Organisation (WHO) – http://www.who.int/

Reference:
World Health Organisation. Definition, Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications. Part 1: Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Department of Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance, Geneva, 1999.