Diabetes treatment gaps in South-East Asia: A critical issue
A startling statistic from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals a dire reality: only one in three adults with diabetes in South-East Asia receives treatment. This alarming disparity highlights a significant challenge for the region, particularly India, which bears a substantial global burden of diabetes cases. With over 279 million adults affected, the need for effective diabetes management and prevention strategies is urgent.
The WHO emphasizes the potential for severe complications when diabetes is left untreated or poorly managed. Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO South-East Asia, underscores the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive care, stating, 'Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease, can lead to life-threatening damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes if diagnosed late or managed poorly.'
The theme of World Diabetes Day 2025, 'Diabetes across life stages,' underscores the importance of tailored care and supportive environments for all individuals with diabetes. This includes children, who require specialized care to manage their condition and support their growth and development, as well as pregnant women, who need specialized care to ensure the health of both mother and child. For older adults, ongoing support and education are crucial to managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications.
While type 1 diabetes, which often begins in childhood, cannot be prevented, it can be effectively managed with proper care. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. These measures can also help manage complications in those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
To address the diabetes burden, the WHO has implemented initiatives such as the 'SEAHEARTS: Accelerating prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases' resolution and the 'Colombo Call for Action for strengthening prevention and control of diabetes in the WHO South-East Asia Region.' These efforts aim to improve access to affordable treatment, including insulin and blood glucose monitoring devices, through national health coverage benefit packages. As of 2023, most member states have adopted evidence-based management protocols for diabetes, and over 33 million people with diabetes have been placed on protocol-based management in public health facilities.
However, the challenge remains significant. The 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study revealed a staggering prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in India, with an estimated 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million with pre-diabetes in 2021. This highlights the need for continued efforts to raise awareness, improve access to treatment, and promote healthy lifestyles to combat the diabetes epidemic in South-East Asia.
