A staggering revelation: South-East Asia faces a diabetes crisis, with only a third of adults receiving treatment! This shocking statistic, unveiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights a pressing issue in the region. But here's where it gets controversial—despite the dire need, less than 15% of those treated have their blood glucose levels under control.
The region, encompassing India, bears a heavy burden with approximately 279 million adults suffering from diabetes, accounting for a significant portion of the global diabetes cases. The situation is further exacerbated by a high number of undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly managed cases.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at WHO South-East Asia (WHO SEARO), emphasizes the severity of the disease, stating, "Diabetes, if left untreated or poorly managed, can cause severe damage to vital organs like the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes." This chronic metabolic condition demands immediate attention and effective management.
This year's World Diabetes Day theme, 'Diabetes across life stages,' advocates for comprehensive care and supportive environments for all diabetes patients. It calls for policies that promote health, dignity, and self-management throughout their lives.
Dr. Boehme elaborates, "We must ensure equitable and age-appropriate approaches to diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and management." She highlights the unique needs of different age groups, from children requiring tailored care at home and school to pregnant women and older adults needing ongoing support to manage their diabetes and prevent complications.
While type 1 diabetes, often appearing in childhood, cannot be prevented, it can be managed effectively. Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented and its risks reduced through a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a balanced diet, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol. For those already diagnosed, medication and a healthy lifestyle are crucial to avoiding complications.
In 2023, the 11 member states took a significant step by adopting the 'SEAHEARTS' resolution, aiming to improve diabetes coverage and control through the WHO HEARTS technical package. This was followed in 2024 by the 'Colombo Call for Action,' which outlined practical actions to reduce diabetes risks and ensure quality treatment for all.
These initiatives focus on providing affordable treatment, including insulin and blood glucose monitoring devices, through national health coverage. Most member states now have evidence-based diabetes management protocols in place, and over 33 million people are receiving protocol-based care in public health facilities.
On World Diabetes Day, Dr. Boehme urges governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and communities to intensify their efforts to combat diabetes across all life stages. The 2023 ICMR-INDIAB study revealed a concerning situation in India, with an estimated 101 million diabetics, 136 million pre-diabetics, and 315 million people with hypertension. The study, conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, found high prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
And this is the part most people miss—diabetes is not just a health issue; it's a societal challenge. It impacts individuals, families, and communities, affecting productivity and quality of life. So, how can we collectively address this growing crisis? What innovative solutions or policies can we implement to ensure better diabetes management and prevention?
