Diabetes Education Improves Patients’ Health

On the World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2022, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is inviting policy makers to increase access to diabetes education under the slogan of “Education to Protect Tomorrow.” Meanwhile, the WHO will implement activities regarding the advocacy of the Global Diabetes Compact. 

“WDD provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition,” says WHO. 

Globally, 422 million people have diabetes, most of them living in low and middle-income countries. About 1.5 million deaths are linked to this disease. In Mexico, over 12 million people are living with diabetes, according to the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut). The annual national death rate linked to Diabetes Mellitus is 361 deaths for each 100,000 inhabitants. In 2021, Diabetes Mellitus was the third cause of death for both men and women, as reported by INEGI. 

To balance blood sugar levels, Mexico’s Ministry of Health recommends a balanced diet and the avoidance of smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. It is also important to continue working to increase prevention and improve access to treatments. To achieve this, the WHO is promoting the Global Diabetes Compact, which was launched in 2021. “The Global Diabetes Compact is an ambitious new initiative to galvanize efforts around the world to both reduce the risk of diabetes, and ensure that all people diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care,” says WHO.

However, it is also essential to prioritize the access to diabetes education to both the patient and health professionals. “Healthcare professionals must know how to detect and diagnose the condition early and provide the best possible care; while people living with diabetes need access to ongoing education to understand their condition,” says IDF. Those who receive diabetes education are more likely to use primary care, take medications as prescribed, control their glucose levels and have lower healthcare costs, as reported by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). 

“The patient needs to understand how the body and diabetes work and needs to have personalized information on the status of vital signs. There is no public or private health system that can continuously support the diabetic patient,” said María Jesús Salido, CEO, Social Diabetes, to MBN. “Diabetes education is the fundamental tool for patients to understand their health condition and to improve behavioral habits and positive attitudes toward self-care,” she wrote. 

 WDD reaches over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. This campaign aims to keep diabetes prevention and care in the spotlight.