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Hyperlipidaemia, obesity and drug misuse in a diabetic clinic


R.B. Goldberg
I. Bersohn
B.I. Joffe
L.H. Krut
H.C. Seftel

Abstract

A study of middle-aged and elderly patients attending a diabetic clinic has revealed a disturbing state of affairs. Hyperlipidaemia and obesity were very common but little attention was paid to implementing appropriate dietary regimens. Management was largely confined to the control of hyperglycaemia by using oral hypoglycaemic agents, especially combinations of sulphonylureas and diguanides. This situation is deplored. Firstly, it ignores the correction of factors which are as important, if not more so, than hyperglycaemia, in regard to the development of the most lethal complication of maturity-onset diabetes, namely occlusive atherosclerosis. Secondly, it substitutes for dietary therapy, which is physiological, treatment by drugs which are potentially harmful. It is probable that a similar situation obtains in many other diabetic clinics.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 277 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574