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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Review

Diabetes management in Thailand: a literature review of the burden, costs, and outcomes

Authors: Chaicharn Deerochanawong, Alessandra Ferrario

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Management of diabetes represents an enormous challenge for health systems at every level of development. The latter are tested for their ability to continuously deliver high quality care to patients from the day they are diagnosed throughout their life. In this study, we review the status of diabetes management in Thailand and try to identify the key challenges the country needs to address to reduce the current (and future) medical and economic burden caused by the disease.
We conducted a literature review on the burden, costs, and outcomes of diabetes in Thailand. This information was complemented by personal communication with senior officials in the Thai Ministry of Health.
We identified the following priorities for the future management of diabetes in Thailand. First, increasing screening of diabetes in high risk population and promoting annual screening of diabetes complications in all diabetic patients. Second, identifying and addressing factors affecting poor treatment outcomes. Third, policy should specify clear targets and provide and use a monitoring framework to track progress. Fourth, efforts are needed to further improve data availability. Up-to-date data on the medical and economic burden of diabetes representative at the national level and at least the regional level are essential to identify needs and monitor progress towards established targets. Fifth, promotion of a healthy lifestyle for prevention of diabetes through education and quality information delivered to the public.
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Metadata
Title
Diabetes management in Thailand: a literature review of the burden, costs, and outcomes
Authors
Chaicharn Deerochanawong
Alessandra Ferrario
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-8603-9-11

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