Improving diabetes care overseas

The University of St Andrews is spearheading a new initiative aimed at improving diabetes care overseas.

Next week (30 May 2011) it will host a visit by 65 doctors from 21 countries around the world.  The medics, from Africa, Middle East and Russia, will take part in an intensive three-day course where they will learn about new techniques for the prevention and treatment of the condition.

Medical experts from the five medical schools in Scotland are assisting with the programme.

Emeritus professor of medicine at St Andrews, Ian Campbell, who will lead the course, said,  “Diabetes of the type two variety is universal and has reached epidemic proportions in both the developed and developing world, so all efforts and resources must be used to raise standards of care both by hospital specialists and general practitioners.

“Many risk factors, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels, raised blood pressure, obesity and smoking, have to be corrected to sustain good health.”

Professor Hugh MacDougall, Dean of Medicine at the University, said that he hopes the course will help sow the seeds of improved diabetes care overseas and lead to stronger links between Scottish universities and health professionals in developing countries.

ENDS

Issued by the Press Office

Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Communications Manager on 01334 467227, email [email protected]

Ref: Diabetes 270511