[Screening and intervention. A strategy in type 2 diabetes?].
Before the introduction of screening for type 2 diabetes, it is necessary to evaluate not only the technology, but also the patient perspective, the economical consequences, and the organising aspects. A review of the relevant literature shows that type 2 diabetes is a rapidly increasing, serious disease. However, there is no documentation that systematic screening will have a positive effect on morbidity and mortality, owing to the lack of randomised clinical trials. The methods for screening could be optimised, and there is a lack of literature on patient perspective. Economical models indicate that opportunistic screening is more cost-effective than is systematic screening, but the lack of randomised trials makes the conclusion dubious. A decision to introduce systematic screening for type 2 diabetes should await the results of ongoing randomised clinical trials. In the meantime, efforts should be spent on improving the level of care for those already diagnosed with diabetes.
Jørgensen
Torben
T
Center for Sygdomsforebyggelse, Opgang 8. 7. sal, Amtssygehuset i Glostrup, DK-2600 Glostrup.
Glümer
Charlotte
C
Borch-Johnsen
Knut
K
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration