Objectives

To determine the incidence of diabetes in Belgium

To determine the number of newly diagnosed diabetic patients under the age of 40 residing in Belgium. Special attention is given to patients residing in the Antwerp district and the province of Luxemburg. With this registration we aim for:

• detecting trends in the number of new patients
• searching for risk factors that might explain these trends
• evaluating the effects of prevention on the number of new patients

To search for causes and markers of diabetes

The collection of data from diabetic patients and their first degree relatives has the following aims:

• to study the relationship between genetic, lifestyle and/or environmental factors and development of the disease
• to develop and apply new early markers to improve prediction of diabetes and its evolution
• to identify first degree relatives at risk of developing diabetes
• to identify patients at risk of chronic complications

To prepare and support experimental therapies in diabetic patients and their relatives

To prepare, develop and support new experimental therapies and participation in international studies to:

• prevent or slow down the development of diabetes in relatives at risk
• prevent or slow down the development of chronic complications in patients

To provide information on new developments in the field of diabetes

To provide information and advice to

• authorities
• physicians
• patients and their families
• the general public

Information can be provided on progress in scientific research on diabetes in general, changes in the number of new cases of the disease and new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes.