Understanding diabetes

Doctors from across Russia, the Middle East and Africa gathered in St Andrews this week for a new course designed to improve the treatment of diabetes in the developing world.

As part of the three day course, medical experts, lecturers and health staff from across Scotland gave up their time to assist with the programme, hosted by the University of St Andrews.

Thirty-five delegates were in Scotland to learn more about diabetes and new techniques for prevention and treatment.

Ian Campbell, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at St Andrews said, “Diabetes of the type 2 variety is universal and has reached epidemic proportions in the developing world, so all efforts and resources must be made to raise standards of care both by hospital specialists and general practitioners.

“Many risk factors – like high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking and obesity – have to be corrected to sustain good health.”

Professor Hugh MacDougall, Dean of Medicine in St Andrews, said he hoped the St Andrews course would help sow the seeds of improved diabetes prevention overseas and lead to stronger links with health professions in developing countries.

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