" The first edition of the MOH clinical practice guidelines on diabetes mellitus for Singapore was published in 1999. Since that time, more facts about this important condition have emerged, not only with regard to its diagnosis and treatment, but also about whether or not type 2 diabetes may be prevented, and, if so, how this may be achieved.

"As diabetes mellitus has great public health significance in developed countries and developing nations alike, managing it properly involves a consideration, not just of clinical issues, but also of health economics. This second edition of the guidelines attempts to address some of these complex issues wherever evidence-based information pertaining to them is available.

"The main aim of these guidelines is to help physicians make sound clinical decisions about diabetes mellitus by presenting up-to-date information about diagnosis, classification, treatment, outcomes, and follow-up. These guidelines are developed for all health care professionals in Singapore. We hope they would be helpful especially to primary care physicians who care for patients with diabetes mellitus

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"In the 2004 National Health Survey, diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to affect 8.2% of our population. In 2004, it was the 8th most common cause of death in Singapore. It is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity from chronic complications. In Singapore, it is associated with a 3-fold increase in mortality, most of which is related to cardiovascular disease. ..."