The IDF population strategy requires the governments of all countries to develop and implement a National Diabetes Prevention Plan. This National plan would encompass many groups including schools; communities (for example, religious and ethnic groups); industry (marketing, investment policy, product development) and the workplace (health promotion within the working environment).
Finnish Diabetes Prevention Strategy
Finland is one of the first countries to implement a large-scale diabetes prevention strategy. Following on from the DPS study, the Finnish Diabetes Association have devised a national strategy for preventing type 2 diabetes: The Development Programme for the Prevention and Care of Diabetes in Finland 2000-2010 (DEHKO) [2]. This programme comprises three concurrent approaches: a population strategy aimed at promoting the health of the entire nation; an individualised strategy for those at high risk; and a strategy of early diagnosis and management for those with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The population strategy focuses on nutritional interventions and increased physical activity so that the risk factors for type 2 diabetes are reduced in all age groups. A pilot study assessing practical feasibility and cost-effectiveness is currently under way in four hospital districts (2003-2007), and results from this pilot will direct the focus of the national scheme. In 2010, the population-level effects of the programme will be studied in terms of coverage, effectiveness, rate of adoption, feasibility and permanence.