French Healthcare Day 2024 Addresses Diabetes in Mexico

The latest edition of French Healthcare Day, held on Nov. 27, focused on "Diabetes and Nutrition in Patients in Mexico." The event was attended by key Mexican and French authorities, including Mexico's Minister of Health, David Kershenobich, and the French Ambassador to Mexico, Delphine Borione. The gathering provided a platform to discuss diabetes in Mexico and foster collaboration between both countries in addressing this growing health challenge.

“Diabetes is a preventable disease in many cases; however, paradoxically, it is one of the leading causes of mortality in Mexico,” says Kershenobich.

Between 2006 and 2022, the prevalence of diabetes increased from 14.44% to over 16%, explains Kershenobich. “These figures are not a call for alarm, but rather an opportunity to prevent millions of people from developing complications that could be avoidable,” he adds.

The high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in Mexico represents a significant challenge for the entire healthcare system, says Macarena Montoya, Minister of Health of the State of Mexico. This problem requires the implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures, as well as public policies, to effectively address the issue.

Primary prevention involves promoting healthy eating habits, such as controlling the consumption of ultra-processed foods and encouraging physical activity from an early age, explains Montoya. Secondary prevention focuses on implementing comprehensive care models for people with diabetes, ensuring access to effective treatments and timely follow-up. 

To support the control and management of the disease, the healthcare sector is increasingly relying on emerging technologies. The integration of AI and robotics can offer significant benefits, particularly in areas such as early detection and continuous patient monitoring. For example, advanced platforms that enable the collection and analysis of clinical data facilitate real-time tracking of key indicators, such as patients' metabolic levels, allowing healthcare professionals to adjust treatments and improve outcomes more efficiently, says Montoya. 

An effective strategy to fight the prevalence of diabetes should recognize both the physical impact of diabetes and its psychological toll, according to Ana Cristina García, Specialist in Endocrinology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán. 

“The patient often goes through a grieving process, and if we do not help them navigate this mental health journey and begin making the necessary changes, the metabolic complications will progress,” says García.

Mental health plays a crucial role in identifying various barriers that may hinder a patient's ability to manage their condition effectively. One significant barrier is finances, as patients may prioritize basic needs over purchasing expensive medications or treatments, explains García. There are also labor-related barriers, such as work commitments that prevent patients from engaging in physical exercise. Recognizing these obstacles allows healthcare providers to offer tailored solutions. By addressing both physical and mental barriers, patients are better equipped to adopt sustainable changes and ultimately achieve better outcomes, says García.