These trends indicate that, although scientifically proven intervention strategies exist for prevention of diabetes-related morbidity and mortality, they are not making an impact in Washington state. It is essential that public health serve as the bridge between scientific research and health care delivery. Only when what is known through research is translated and implemented in the primary care setting will there be a reduction in diabetes- related morbidity and mortality. Public health strategies for diabetes hinge on people having universal access to affordable health insurance that does not preclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, and that services that have been scientifically proven to prevent the complications of diabetes and promote optimal blood sugar control are covered. Although diabetes cannot be cured or prevented, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is an important method of preventing or reducing the costly complications associated with the disease.
Public health serves as the connection between scientific research and delivery of health care.
A coordinated approach is critical to the development of a comprehensive health system involving public health, private health delivery, and volunteer groups and agencies. In Washington state, the Public Health Improvement Plan is the blueprint for this coordinated approach focusing its efforts toward population- based prevention and health promotion. Framed by the core functions of assessment, policy development and assurance, the public health system will monitor the health status of people with diabetes. This report is the first step in providing local health departments, community leaders and the private medical care system with assessment data describing the impact of diabetes at the community level. With this data, policy development can begin the process of considering alternatives for action.