LETTERS
need for early detection of undiagnosed therapy prevents the progression of not be allowed to delay the more widespread provision of a service that is almost NIDDM in this particular population, diabetic microvascular complications in Japanese patients with non-insulin-despite mentioning that the 'early detec-certainly widely desired and clinically justified. tion and treatment of complications' is dependent diabetes mellitus: a randomized prospective 6-year study. an integral part of diabetes care. The early T. Greenhalgh detection of diabetic complications would Diabetes Research and Clinical Prac-Department of Primary Care and Popusurely be facilitated by the development tice 1995; 28: 103-117. lation Sciences of a structured screening programme for 3. Davies MJ, Grenfell A, Day JL. Clinical UCLMS/RFHSM, undiagnosed NIDDM as part of a strategy characteristics and follow-up of sub-London N19 5NF for improving diabetes care for British jects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus diagnosed by screen-South Asians? Unlike IDDM, the benefits of early ing. Practical Diabetes International 1996; 13: 75-78. diagnosis and tight control of NIDDM