IMSS Highlights Diabetes Prevention at Fifth Medical Day

Doctors highlight diabetes prevention and management during the fifth Medical Day event, held at the Specialty Hospital “Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret,” in Mexico City. Hosted by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), the event conducted nearly 700 glucose measurements and educated attendees on the importance of early detection and prevention of diabetes mellitus.

The Medical Day event aims to raise awareness about diabetes, a disease that impacts millions globally, as reported by IMSS. Between 2006 and 2022, the prevalence of diabetes increased from 14.44% to over 16%. “These figures are not a call for alarm, but rather an opportunity to prevent millions of people from developing complications that could be avoidable,” says David Kershenobich, Mexico’s Minister of Health.

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. With diabetes being the third leading cause of death worldwide and the second in Mexico City, this initiative reflects IMSS’s strategy to combat the disease’s rise, which has become a major public health concern.

As part of IMSS’s commitment to improving patient care, Mario Hernández, Medical Director, UMAE Specialty Hospital, underlines the importance of the event in helping to detect and manage diabetes in its early stages. He adds that the IMSS is introducing a new treatment protocol for Type 2 diabetes, aiming to reduce cardiovascular and renal risks and improve long-term outcomes for diabetic patients.

The early detection of abnormal blood sugar levels is vital for preventing the serious complications that often arise from uncontrolled diabetes. Hernández adds that the disease, if left untreated, can lead to severe health issues such as blindness, renal failure, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations. He also noted that diabetes remains a leading cause of mortality in Mexico, with over 1.5 million individuals in Mexico City diagnosed with the condition, according to the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by elevated blood glucose levels, typically due to insufficient insulin production. The challenge lies in its often asymptomatic nature, which leads many individuals to avoid seeking medical attention until complications emerge. Hernández says that the IMSS cares for about 600,000 patients with diabetes-related complications.