WHO South-East Asia Officer-in-Charge Dr. Catharina Boehme on Thursday emphasized the urgent need for equitable and age-responsive strategies for diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and management across all stages of life.
Rising Diabetes Burden in South-East Asia
On the eve of World Diabetes Day, Dr. Boehme noted that diabetes remains a major public health challenge in the region. More than 279 million adults—one-third of the global burden—live with diabetes, and many remain undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly controlled.
She highlighted that only one in three adults with diabetes receives treatment, and less than 15% have their blood glucose adequately controlled.
A Call for Stronger Regional Commitment
Dr. Boehme urged governments, NGOs, health professionals, and communities to renew their commitment and intensify efforts to address diabetes across all age groups. When diagnosed late or managed inadequately, the disease can lead to severe complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
World Diabetes Day 2024: Focus on Life Stages
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” underscores the need for integrated care and supportive environments that enable health, dignity, and effective self-management.
Tailored Care Across Life Stages
She stressed that children with diabetes require timely, tailored support at home and school to help them grow, learn, and thrive. Likewise, managing diabetes during pregnancy safeguards the health of both mother and baby. Meanwhile, older adults need continuous guidance to manage their condition and reduce complications.
Preventing and Managing Diabetes
Dr. Boehme explained that type 1 diabetes, which often begins in childhood, cannot currently be prevented but can be effectively managed. In contrast, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. For those already diagnosed, medication combined with healthy habits helps prevent complications.
Regional Progress and Collective Action
She highlighted the region’s ongoing efforts to tackle diabetes. In 2023, Member States adopted the SEAHEARTS regional resolution, aimed at expanding diabetes coverage and control through the WHO HEARTS technical package in primary health care.
Furthermore, in 2024, the Colombo Call for Action introduced practical, feasible steps to reduce diabetes risk and ensure access to quality treatment. This includes providing affordable insulin and blood glucose monitoring devices through national health coverage schemes.
Improved Access to Treatment
As reported by NDTV, most countries in the region now follow evidence-based, drug- and dose-specific protocols for diabetes management and offer at least one hypoglycemic medication in public health facilities.
Dr. Boehme said she was pleased that over 33 million people with diabetes are currently receiving protocol-based care across public health systems in South-East Asia.