World Diabetes Day – November 14, 2015Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a deficiency in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. There are two main forms of diabetes: type 1, which is common in children and young adults (6% of cases), and type 2, which is primarily found in adults (92% of cases). Other forms exist, such as gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can progress without symptoms for several years. Screening is performed via a fasting blood test to measure blood glucose levels. It can be treated with diet alone, antidiabetic medication, and/or insulin injections. As the disease progresses, diabetes can cause serious complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. However, good management of the disease can significantly reduce these risks. To mark World Diabetes Day, the InVS is publishing a special issue of the BEH that provides an overview of severe complications in France and the implementation of recommended tests as part of diabetes monitoring.In 2013, more than 3 million people in France were being treated for diabetes. It affects people with lower socioeconomic status more frequently and is more prevalent in certain regions, such as the overseas departments, where it is up to twice as common.Among those receiving medication for diabetes, 11,737 were hospitalized in 2013 for a myocardial infarction (a rate 2.2 times higher than in the non-diabetic population), 17,148 for a stroke (1.6 times higher), 20,493 for a foot ulcer (5 times higher), 7,749 for a lower limb amputation (7 times higher), and 4,256 began renal replacement therapy for end-stage chronic kidney disease (9 times higher).Compliance with recommended diabetes screening tests has improved since 2001, but there is still significant room for improvement. Laboratory monitoring was virtually the same regardless of socioeconomic status, but clinical follow-up (dental, ophthalmology, and cardiology visits) was less frequent among the most socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.