Is it time to change diabetic disease nomenclature?

The study explored the confusion in diabetes terminology as illustrated by the use of insulin in NIDDM. It is proposed that a new terminology for both types of diabetes be introduced. In order to investigate this proposal, we invited a total of 84 medical professionals to contribute their views via a one-page questionnaire, personally handed to the participants. Considering the variety of terms in the sample polled for this study, and the fact that patients with type 2 diabetes might need insulin management at any stage of their life, some professionals persist in using the old names, a fact that seems to fly in the face of logic. Most pharmacists will be aware that not only are the professionals confused by the current situation but that patients are also perplexed when, for example, receiving treatment with insulin after being told that they have non-insulin dependent diabetes.