Tackling diabetes at a national level: the view from Scotland

In both developing and developed countries, the increasing incidence of diabetes and its associated complications is expensive to individuals and societies. National initiatives, including the development of information technology, the production of evidence-based clinical guidelines, supporting patient self-management, audit and sharing of best practice can improve outcomes for people with diabetes. National policy should promote patient-centred, local care with effective communication between members of the multidisciplinary team and the person with diabetes with a view to optimal self-management and good long-term health.