Lazio Region Expands Diabetes Treatment Access, Aligns with National Standards
Rome, Italy – In a notable win for patients and primary care physicians, the Lazio Region will now allow general medical doctors to prescribe two new drugs for diabetes treatment, both on a therapeutic plan and within the DPC (Direct Payment by Citizens) system. This change brings Lazio in line with the rest of Italy, ending its status as the sole region previously unable to offer this access due to a misalignment between regional and national healthcare systems [[source]].
The decision follows advocacy from Fimmg Lazio, the regional branch of the Italian Federation of General practitioners, who sought clarification from AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency) regarding the restriction. AIFA affirmed the national character of drug access and highlighted the valuable contribution of general medicine within the agency [[source]].
Key Developments:
Expanded Access: Lazio patients will now have broader access to innovative diabetes therapies through their primary care physicians.
Streamlined Prescription: The new system simplifies the prescription process, removing a barrier to treatment.
Glyphozines Access on the Horizon: The region is also preparing to abolish the specialist therapeutic plan requirement for “glyphozines” – drugs showing benefits for both diabetic and cardiovascular/renal patients. this move is expected to substantially reduce specialist appointment wait times by eliminating administrative renewal requests [[source]]. Regional accreditation: The regional health authority has swiftly begun accrediting family doctors on the regional platform to facilitate the new drug availability [[source]].
broader Context: The Global Diabetes Epidemic
This regional advancement occurs against a backdrop of a growing global diabetes crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD) affecting an estimated 131 million people in the Western Pacific region alone in 2018 [[1]]. Globally, approximately 262,000 deaths were attributed to diabetes in 2019 [[1]]. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, leading to serious long-term health complications [[2]],[[3]].
Call to Action:
Patients in the Lazio region are encouraged to consult with their general practitioners to discuss whether these new treatment options are appropriate for their individual needs. This move represents a positive step towards improved diabetes care and highlights the importance of aligning regional healthcare systems with national standards.