Diabetes Care in Iran: Where We Stand and Where We Are Headed

Authors

  • Sina Noshad Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Mohsen Afarideh Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Behnam Heidari Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Jeffrey I. Mechanick Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
  • Alireza Esteghamati Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aogh.2015.10.003

Keywords:

diabetes, diabetes epidemiology, health care policies, Iran, population surveillance, quality of care, type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of diabetes has steadily increased in Iran from the time of the first published nationally representative survey in 1999 and despite efforts and strategies to reduce disease burden.

Objectives

The aim of the present review was to describe the current status of diabetes care in Iran.

Methods

A selective review of the relevant literature, focusing on properly conducted studies, describing past and present diabetes care strategies, policies, and outcomes in Iran was performed.

Findings

The quality of diabetes care has gradually improved as suggested by a reduction in the proportion of undiagnosed patients and an increase in affordability of diabetes medications. The National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes has proven successful at identifying high-risk individuals, particularly in rural and remote-access areas. Unfortunately, the rising tide of diabetes is outpacing these efforts by a considerable margin.

Conclusions

Substantial opportunities and challenges in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and management of diabetes exist in Iran that need to be addressed to further improve the quality of care and clinical outcomes.

Author Biographies

Sina Noshad, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

MD, MPH

Mohsen Afarideh, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

MD, MPH

Behnam Heidari, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

MD, MPH

Jeffrey I. Mechanick, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York

MD, FACP, FACE, FACN

Alireza Esteghamati, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

MD

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Published

2016-04-22

Issue

Section

Reviews