World Diabetes Day: 73 million people in the Eastern Mediterranean region suffer from diabetes

World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness and Taking Action

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14. This day highlights the global impact of diabetes and the need for collective and individual efforts to prevent and manage this disease.

The theme for this year is “Breaking Barriers and Bridging Gaps: Uniting to Promote Diabetes Wellness.” It focuses on the daily struggles faced by millions with diabetes. Managing diabetes takes patience and responsibility, affecting both physical and mental health.

Currently, 537 million adults globally have diabetes, which is 1 in 10 people. This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Over 75% of these individuals live in low- and middle-income countries. Mental health is a significant concern, with 36% experiencing stress and 63% fearing complications. About 28% find it hard to stay positive about their condition.

The Eastern Mediterranean region has the highest diabetes prevalence. Around 73 million adults in this area have diabetes, and this number could increase to 136 million by 2045. A third of these cases remain undiagnosed, indicating gaps in detection and care. In 2021, there were 796,000 diabetes-related deaths in the region, representing 24.5% of deaths among working-age individuals.

To address these issues, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is implementing strategies to prevent diabetes, reduce complications, and improve quality of life. They have developed a therapeutic education program for patients. This program helps patients manage their diabetes through education and support. Trained healthcare providers lead these sessions, focusing on the specific needs of each patient.

Improved knowledge can lead to better treatment adherence and fewer complications. It also helps reduce healthcare costs and supports patients in managing their health effectively.

The Regional Office is working on integrating non-communicable diseases into primary healthcare. They have set up a network to tackle challenges in managing chronic conditions, especially during emergencies.

Collaboration is essential to fight the diabetes epidemic. By raising awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting people living with diabetes, we can improve health outcomes for millions in the Eastern Mediterranean region.