Diabetes has become a worldwide health problem the global estimated prevalence approaches ten
percent and the burden of this disease in terms of morbidity and mortality is unprecedented.
The advances acquired through the knowledge of the mechanisms of the disease and the variety of
therapeutic approaches contrast with the inability of private and public health systems in
underdeveloped and even developed countries to achieve the goals of treatment. This paradox has
been described in many sources: the surge of scientific advances contrast with an unprecedented
amount of human suffering. Thus a patient centered and an evidence based approach with the
capacity to produce measurable clinical and economic outcomes is required. The purpose of this
textbook is multiple: to offer a comprehensive resource covering all aspects of outpatient
management to address diabetes as a health problem from an epidemiological economic and
clinical perspective to discuss the role of social determinants of health on the worldwide
increase in diabetes to highlight the challenges and obstacles in providing adequate care and
to outline a multidisciplinary approach to management in which medical visits retain their
importance as part of a team comprising the patient his or her family and a multidisciplinary
group of health professionals who are able to move beyond the traditional approach of diabetes
as a disease and greatly improve outcomes.
