Abstract

IMAGE guidelines: potential impact for diabetes primary preventive care in the EU

Author(s): Peter EH Schwarz

The Implementation of A European Guideline and Training Standards for Diabetes Prevention (IMAGE) guidelines are structured standards for diabetes prevention. The IMAGE Toolkit, which is based on these standards, gives useful recommendations for preventive care programs. In brief, based on systematic reviewing of the evidence, the guidelines recommend that case-finding should follow a step-wise procedure using risk questionnaires and oral glucose tolerance testing. Interventions supporting lifestyle changes should be supported by intersectoral strategies that create health-promoting environments. In order to implement the guidelines and to advance international correspondence, a webbased network known as ‘who is active in prevention’ was established, which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of prevention.