Once the Cinderella of chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus is now fast emerging as one of the biggest health catastrophes the world has ever witnessed. Almost 6% of the world's adult population now live with diabetes (Sicree et al, 2003; International Federation of Diabetes, 2006). It has been predicted that the total number of people with diabetes will rise to 366 million in less than 30 years if preventative action is not taken (Wild et al, 2004). Diabetes is no longer a concern of an individual country. It has huge global and societal implications, particularly in developing countries where the development of diabetes at an early age can lead to untoward human suffering, disability and socioeconomic cost. An internationally coordinated effort is required to improve human behaviour and lifestyle to halt the global diabetes epidemic and the development of such complications as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, peripheral vascular diseases and stroke. For such a formula to be successful, it is important for nurses to be proactive in their political role in ensuring that people with diabetes become expert in their condition. In so doing, healthcare systems and resources could be used more effectively to reduce real human and economic costs.

In most industrialized nations and many developing countries chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death. In 2005, chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes caused 58 million deaths worldwide (World Health Organization, 2005). Despite strong evidence for the magnitude of this burden, the preventability of NCD causes and the threat they pose to already strained healthcare systems, national and global responses have been slow. This article provides a global overview of chronic diseases. It further explores the impact of globalization as an important determinant of NCD epidemics. Finally, in addition to working alongside policy-makers, the fundamental roles of nursing to promote health, prevent disease and alleviate suffering call for expression of caring for humanity and environment through political activism at all levels to bring about reforms of current global economic order.

Difference in explanatory models (EMs) between the person and the healthcare professional has been suggested as one reason for non-adherence to a recommended treatment regimen. The aim of this study was to explore the EMs of diabetes by a group of Asian and Caucasian participants. A total of 25 Asians and 24 Caucasians were recruited from a local diabetic clinic and subsequently interviewed about their personal EMs of diabetes. Responses to the tape-recorded semistructured interview questions about the perceived cause, time and mode of symptom onset, pathophysiology, course of illness and treatment were analysed and categories of response established and compared across the two groups. Although the results indicated some similarities of EMs of diabetes between the groups, certain differences were identified. It is suggested that nurses who include EMs in their care planning are more likely to enhance adherence among people with diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition. It represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality, often brought about by diabetic microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and macrovascular (peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke) complications. Although incurable, it is nevertheless possible for the person with diabetes to lead a normal life by adhering to a self-care management regimen. However, this complex, lifelong activity cannot be achieved in isolation. The role of the nurse, particularly as an educator and facilitator of learning, is therefore critical. This article aims to increase nurses' knowledge regarding the importance of ongoing education for the person with diabetes in order to minimize the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications. It also emphasizes the importance of including the individual in any decision-making process to ensure that empowerment is visible.

Diabetes mellitus is a growing pandemic and its self-care management rests primarily with the individual. This qualitative case study investigated the self-care dietary pattern among a group of 25 Asians and 24 Caucasians diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Data collected from a semi-structured interview and a 7-day health diary explored the self-care activities undertaken by the participants to establish metabolic control. From an analytical perspective, the collective responses were placed on a continuum ranging from strict adherence, moderately flexible adherence to very flexible adherence. The findings suggest that most of the participants were located in the latter two categories of diet related to self-care. Implications for healthcare professionals in promoting self-care will be discussed.