The Task Force on the Global Campaign of Diabetes Mellitus is composed of Sverre Sandberg(Chair), Howard Morris, Matthew McQueen, 4 corresponding members and 36 country representatives.

Some aspects of what has been achieved, in the last five years, in regards to the terms of reference (in italic) is listed below. The integral lecture can be found on the IFCC web page

1. Review and study the current use of laboratory test, and educate doctors and patients in interpretation of laboratory tests used in diagnosing and monitoring of diabetes mellitus.
a. A survey among IFCC member status to evaluate current practice concerning laboratory practice and diabetes mellitus has been performed.
b. Circulation of case histories to clinicians to evaluate current use of HBA1c and glucose (circulated to 8 national members) and micro-albumin (circulated to 11 national members and 10 000 clinicians).
c. The methodological quality of guidelines for diabetes mellitus has been examined in collaboration with C-EBLM.

2. Provide quality specifications (QS) for analytes used to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus.
Clinicians and patients were surveyed through case histories that were circulated to them. The estimated critical differences, before action is taken, between two sets of responses indirectly suggest QS for HbA1c, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and micro-albumin

3. Give recommendations on self-monitoring of blood glucose
A model has been developed on a standardized evaluation of SMBG instruments. Principles have also been established on the procedure patients should follow to perform a quality an External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for their instruments and on how patients should control their practice at General Practice Physician� offices or at pharmacies

4. Try to associate with other groups or persons (including manufacturers) who will co-operate on the work to be done.
The Task Force has cooperated with NKDEP, IDF, NACB as well as with several WG and Committees within IFCC

Articles have been published in Clin Chem and Point of Care, or are presently submitted and under review. Published articles are listed below.

Kristensen GB, Nerhus K, Thue G, Sandberg S. Results and feasibility of an external quality assessment scheme for self-monitoring of blood glucose. Clin Chem. 2006;52:1311-7.
Kristensen GB, Christensen NG, Thue G, Sandberg S. Between-lot variation in external quality assessment of glucose: clinical importance and effect on participant performance evaluation. Clin Chem. 2005;51:1632-6.
Skeie S, Perich C, Ricos C, Araczki A, Horvath AR, Oosterhuis WP, Bubner T, Nordin G, Delport R, Thue G, Sandberg S. Postanalytical external quality assessment of blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c: an international survey. Clin Chem. 2005;51:1145-53.
Thue G, Klovning A, Sandberg S. External quality assessment of general practice laboratories: organizational issues and interpretation of feedback reports. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 2001;61:103-10