The World Health Organization (WHO) urgently highlights a significant gap in diabetes treatment across its South-East Asia (SE Asia) region. Only one in three adults diagnosed with diabetes receives treatment, and less than 15% achieve adequate blood glucose control. This startling statistic underscores a pressing public health challenge, affecting over 279 million adults in the region, which represents one-third of the global diabetes burden.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, WHO South-East Asia Officer-in-Charge, recently emphasized the critical need for equitable and age-responsive strategies for diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and management throughout life. Undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly controlled cases remain prevalent. Therefore, collective efforts from governments, non-governmental organizations, health professionals, and communities are essential to tackle this burden effectively.
Addressing Treatment Challenges Across Life Stages
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease. Late diagnosis or inadequate management can cause severe, life-threatening damage to vital organs like the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Consequently, the theme for World Diabetes Day 2025, ‘Diabetes across life stages,’ advocates for integrated care, supportive environments, and policies promoting health, dignity, and self-management for all individuals with diabetes.
Different age groups need tailored care. For example, children with diabetes require timely and personalized support at home and school to facilitate healthy growth and learning. Similarly, effective diabetes management during pregnancy is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. Older adults, moreover, need continuous support and education to manage their condition and mitigate complication risks.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Management
Currently, we cannot prevent type 1 diabetes, which often begins in childhood or adolescence; however, careful management is possible. On the other hand, lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, for those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, medication coupled with a healthy lifestyle can effectively prevent complications.
Regional Initiatives to Strengthen Diabetes Treatment
The WHO South-East Asia region has actively responded to these challenges through collective commitments. In 2023, Member States adopted the ‘SEAHEARTS: Accelerating prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases’ resolution. This resolution aims to promote diabetes coverage and control by implementing the WHO HEARTS technical package in primary healthcare settings.
Building on this, the 2024 endorsement of the ‘Colombo Call for Action for strengthening prevention and control of diabetes in WHO SE Asia Region’ outlines practical, feasible actions. These actions aim to reduce diabetes risks and ensure all diagnosed individuals access quality treatment and care. Importantly, this involves providing affordable treatments, such as insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring devices, through national health coverage benefit packages.
Most Member States have now implemented evidence-based, drug- and dose-specific management protocols for diabetes. They furthermore provide at least one hypoglycemic drug at the health facility level. Public health facilities across the region are currently providing protocol-based management to over 33 million people with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the current state of diabetes treatment in South-East Asia?
Only one in three adults with diabetes in the South-East Asia region receive treatment, and fewer than 15% have their blood glucose levels adequately controlled. This impacts over 279 million adults, representing one-third of the global diabetes burden.
Q2: What are the key WHO initiatives addressing diabetes in SE Asia?
Key initiatives include the 2023 ‘SEAHEARTS’ resolution, which promotes diabetes coverage and control through the WHO HEARTS technical package, and the 2024 ‘Colombo Call for Action,’ focusing on practical steps for prevention and access to quality treatment, including affordable insulin.
Q3: How does the WHO HEARTS technical package support diabetes management?
The WHO HEARTS technical package provides strategic guidance and evidence-based treatment protocols for primary healthcare to improve cardiovascular health, including the diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes. It aims to standardize a clinical approach to diabetes care.
References
- Only one in three adults with diabetes receive treatment in SE Asia: WHO – ETHealthworld
- WHO South-East Asia calls for stronger action across all life stages on World Diabetes Day – ANI News
- Management of Diabetes – World Health Organization (WHO)
- HEARTS D: diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes – WHO
- HEARTS in the Americas: Technical Package – PAHO/WHO
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