[How to tackle the epidemic of diabetes: strategy at cantonal level].

Switzerland is affected by a "diabetes epidemic". It is estimated that one in fifteen adult is affected by this disease. The human costs are consistent with more than 2/3 of the costs of diabetes related to complications. To reduce the impact of the disease on the population of the canton of Vaud, the "Cantonal Diabetes Program" is a program to slow the increasing incidence of the disease (primary prevention) and to improve the care to patients. The secondary prevention strategy is divided into three areas: daily life support to the diabetic patients, improvement of the interdisciplinary work and consolidation of proximity care structures. The innovative approach of this program, which aims to enhance partnerships by strengthening the autonomy of patients and caregivers interdisciplinary work, could be applied to other chronic diseases.