Diabetes: A growing Global Health Crisis Demanding Lifelong Care
Diabetes is a rapidly escalating global health challenge,currently affecting over 800 million people worldwide and representing a major risk factor for serious conditions like heart disease,kidney failure,blindness,and lower-limb amputation. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, where access to essential care and medications is frequently enough limited.
Recognizing the need for complete support, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its first global guidelines for the management of diabetes during pregnancy, a condition impacting approximately one in six pregnancies (21 million women annually). Thes guidelines offer a critical roadmap for preventing life-threatening complications for both mothers and children, including pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and birth injuries, as well as long-term risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases.
The WHO guidelines emphasize a holistic approach to diabetes care,including:
* Individualized care: Tailored advice on diet,physical activity,and blood sugar targets.
* Optimal monitoring: Regular blood glucose checks during clinic visits and at home.
* Personalized treatment: Specific medication regimens for different types of diabetes when necessary.
* Specialized support: Multidisciplinary care for women with pre-existing diabetes.
This launch aligns with the theme of World Diabetes day 2025 – “Diabetes across life stages” – highlighting the urgent need for integrated care, supportive environments, and policies that promote health, dignity, and self-management for all individuals living with diabetes, from childhood through older age.
Addressing this global crisis requires a life-course approach to diabetes prevention,management,and overall well-being,ensuring that no one is left behind. Integrating diabetes care into routine healthcare services and ensuring equitable access to essential medicines and technologies are crucial steps towards a healthier future.
