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National screening campaigns for chronic non-communicable diseases: diabetes and hypertension

Cristiana M. Toscano 1

1 Organização
Pan-Americana da Saúde.
SEN Lote 19, 70800-400,
Brasília DF.
Programa de PósGraduação de Medicina,
UFRGS.
[e-mail]

Abstract Type 2 diabetes and hypertension are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and are responsible for cardiovascular, encephalic, coronary, renal and peripheral vascular complications. Recent evidence has demonstrated the benefits of reducing risk factors for cardiovascular complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Likewise, intensive blood pressure control has been proven effective in reducing chronic complications in those with diabetes and hypertension. However, there is no irrefutable scientific evidence in relation to the effectiveness of screening programs for type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Most guidelines suggest that if done, screening should be conducted selectively targeting high risk individuals. This have allowed for observational data to be collected and evaluated, which although do not substitute direct evidence provided by randomized clinical trials, can provide important evidence on efficiency, cost and impact. With the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, the Brazilian Ministry of Health have implemented in 2001-2003 the National Plan for the
Reorganization of Care for Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.
Key words Screening, Chronic diseases, Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension

Resumo O diabetes mellitus e a hipertensão arterial estão associadas à morbidade e à mortalidade e são responsáveis por complicações cardiovasculares, encefálicas, coronarianas, renais e vasculares periféricas. Estudos recentes demonstraram que os benefícios da redução de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares são significativos em indivíduos com diabetes melittus. O controle