Management of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that if detected late, or improperly managed, can lead to serious and life-threatening damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

In the WHO South-East Asia Region, nearly 246 million people aged 30 years and above are estimated to have diabetes. More than half of people with people with diabetes are unaware of the condition. It is estimated that 68 million people with diabetes are on treatment underlining the treatment gap of 177 million in the region. Diabetes is responsible for around 480,00 deaths annually in the Region.

The risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through regular and adequate physical activity, healthy eating, maintaining healthy body weight, quitting tobacco, and avoiding alcohol. If developed, type 2 diabetes can be managed through medication, control of blood pressure and lipids, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

Type 1 diabetes, which affects more than 260,000 children and adolescents in the Region, cannot currently be prevented, but can be managed. Access to insulin, insulin delivering devices and continuous glucose monitoring along with adherence to healthy lifestyles is crucial for optimum control of the type 1 diabetes among young people

 Bridging the treatment gap and achieving better disease control among patients is essential. This can be achieved through evidence-based treatment protocols delivered through trained caregivers, and equipping primary healthcare with basic medicines, technologies, and health products, including HbA1c testing for disease monitoring. Additionally, efforts should be enhanced to make insulin, more affordable and accessible in primary health care.

WHO HEARTS–D technical package provides strategic guidance for the primary health care workforce to diagnose, treat, and manage diabetes.

WHO South-East Asia Response