Chronic non-communicable diseases constitute a global health problem receiving ever greater attention from health authorities, including WHO. Among chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality, with attendant suffering, medical care and financial costs to health systems and families. Diabetes has reached crisis proportions requiring a multilevel approach (individual, social and institutional), with special emphasis on preventive strategies.

In spite of standardized prevention protocols in place throughout the country, Cuba has excessive diabetes mortality in women. According to the most recent Health Statistics Yearbook, diabetes is the 7th cause of death in the female population with a rate of 23.2 per 100,000 population, and the 10th cause in the male population, with a rate of 16.7.[1] Diabetes prevalence in 2016 was 58.3 per 1000 population, 68.5 in women and 48 in men.