Launch Of Landmark Consensus Report To Help Stop The Growing Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic In South And Central America

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 26 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Today sees the launch of a pivotal consensus report, produced by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) South and Central America region (SACA), which addresses the rising diabetes epidemic in the region. Key stakeholders from patient and public groups from across the SACA region have united to produce this practical action-based plan to effectively implement the United Nations Resolution on Diabetes (Resolution 61/225), which aims to improve the prevention, treatment and care of the disease.

A key recommendation of the report is that active participation of people with diabetes in lobbying the government and local politicians for better access to treatment and care should be promoted. The report was published as a result of a one-day meeting convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, attended by leaders of the IDF member associations representing 14 countries in the region. It comprises a review of the current diabetes landscape and outlines key areas of opportunity for change, together with a set of primary and secondary prevention strategies. The focus of the report is on the actions and capacity-building needs to tackle this chronic, debilitating and costly illness.

Susana Feria de Campanella, Chair of IDF South and Central America said "Fundamentally, the consensus report is a call to action for the entire region to tackle the current issues that exist in the care of diabetes, which until now, have not been fully addressed. The recommendations included in the report, particularly the need for greater governmental involvement, provide a solid framework for essential progress in preventing and managing this epidemic. The development of this consensus report has allowed us to assess the strategies, policies and programmes that need to be implemented throughout the South and Central America region to stem the growth of diabetes and effectively manage the disease for the 16.2 million people in the region who are affected by it.1

Included within the report, are strategies which necessitate the engagement of people with diabetes, encouraging and promoting the benefits of self-management. Currently, the severe complications associated with diabetes are poorly acknowledged by the person with diabetes, as well as understanding the treatment options available to them. A chief concern in this area is ensuring access to the most appropriate and quality medication for people with diabetes. The report also advocates the creation and use of evidence-based guidelines to guarantee quick referrals and access to specialists.

The consensus report details how the SACA region can fight type 2 diabetes and achieve the goals of the Resolution through the creation of strong alliances with a range of sectors including government, media, health service providers and the general public. It was agreed that a collaborative approach to highlight the importance of early primary prevention, with the involvement of healthcare professionals and advocacy associations, would create the most effective and comprehensive education programme for all stages of life. A programme of this nature would also help support and achieve the regional Millennium Development Goals with regards to maternal and child health.

"The principle purpose of this consensus report is to help alleviate the current issues in diabetes care, ensuring that the management of diabetes population in South and Central America is of a consistently high standard in every country within the region. The publication and implementation of this document is the beginning of great strides towards establishing diabetes high on the public health agenda and preventing this debilitating and fatal disease" said Susana Feria de Campanella, Chair of IDF South and Central America.

Notes

International Diabetes Federation

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for the over 250 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents over 200 diabetes associations in more than 160 countries. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day campaign. Additional information is available at http://www.idf.org

UN Resolution

The UN recognition of World Diabetes Day follows the passing of Resolution 61/225, the World Diabetes Day Resolution, in December 2006. The landmark resolution was the first goal of an ambitious campaign led by IDF which recognizes diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with major complications that pose severe risks for families and countries. The United Nations has thrown its support behind World Diabetes Day and encourages countries to act now. To mark this special event, individuals are encouraged to wear the diabetes pin, which incorporates a blue circle - the global symbol for diabetes. The Resolution can be viewed at: http://www.unitefordiabetes.org/campaign/resolution.html.

About Diabetes

Each year 7 million people develop diabetes and the most dramatic increases in type 2 diabetes have occurred in populations where there have been rapid and major changes in lifestyle, demonstrating the important role played by lifestyle factors and the potential for reversing the global epidemic. A person with type 2 diabetes is 2 - 4 times more likely to get cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 80% of people with diabetes will die from it. Premature mortality caused by diabetes results in an estimated 12 to 14 years of life lost. A person with diabetes incurs medical costs that are two to five times higher than those of a person without diabetes, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 15% of annual health budgets are spent on diabetes-related illnesses. There is conclusive evidence that good control of blood glucose levels and management of high blood pressure and aspects of the lipid profile (blood fats) can slow the progression to or of type 2 diabetes, and substantially reduce the risk of developing complications (such as cardiovascular, eye and kidney disease) in people with diabetes. Facts and figures can be viewed at: http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=4

IDF Regional Meetings

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with support from Merck Sharp & Dohme has implemented this meeting as part of a series, with meetings taking place in each of the seven IDF regions (Africa, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, North America, South and Central America, South-East Asia and Western Pacific) towards the end of 2008 and throughout 2009. The meeting programme provides an opportunity to identify regional capacity-building needs to facilitate effective implementation of the UN Resolution. It is also a unique platform to encourage open dialogue and best practice sharing between countries in each region, to ensure such initiatives are a success.

Acknowledgement

This consensus was led by the International Diabetes Federation South and Central America Region and supported by Merck & Co, Inc.

References

1 The International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, Third Edition, 2006.

Source
International Diabetes Federation

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