This year’s World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14th, sheds light on the remarkable progress made in diabetes treatment while emphasizing the crucial aspect of overall well-being for those living with the condition.
A crucial focus this year is the patient’s well-being – a vital consideration given the profound physical, emotional, and psychological impact of diabetes. As the president of the Diabetes Foundation, Antonio Pérez, aptly stated, “While the physical impact is well documented and linked to chronic complications, the impact on emotional and psychological well-being is often overlooked and lacks clear management guidelines.”
Approximately half of all individuals with diabetes struggle with emotional distress, experiencing increased rates of depression and anxiety. This distress is often exacerbated by the daily demands of self-care, the fear of complications, and societal stigma. Pérez highlights how diabetes, beyond its physical repercussions, can significantly affect mental health, potentially leading to a decline in self-care and worsening disease management. This emotional burden can even culminate in burnout – a state of complete exhaustion from the constant effort of managing their condition.
This intricate relationship between diabetes and mental health is bidirectional – diabetes complications can worsen mental health issues, and vice versa. Experts like Dr. Pérez advocate for a holistic approach to diabetes treatment, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. “Providing psychosocial support to patients is essential for optimizing their quality of life and improving health outcomes,” he emphasizes.
World Diabetes Day also highlights groundbreaking advancements in diabetes technology and treatment, enhancing the lives of patients. Juan Francisco Perán, President of the Spanish Diabetes Federation, points out that “While the quality of life for patients has improved, many needs remain unmet.”
Among the most significant advancements are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, which allow for precise treatment adjustments and help prevent dangerous hypoglycemia episodes. Automated insulin delivery systems (AID systems) are also proving effective in managing blood sugar levels, particularly for type 1 diabetes. Perán notes, “Despite these advances, we still need to enhance training to effectively integrate these technologies into patients’ daily lives.”
Dr. Francisco Javier Ampudia-Blasco, President of the Spanish Society of Diabetes, underscores the benefits of new medications like GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. These drugs not only regulate blood sugar but also aid in weight loss, a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. “These treatments not only control diabetes but are changing the course of the disease, even enabling the reversal of type 2 diabetes in some cases through weight loss,” he states.
However, Dr. Pérez cautions that obesity remains unrecognized as a disease by the Ministry of Health, hindering access to innovative treatments within the public healthcare system, despite their proven efficacy.
Another exciting frontier is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize diabetes treatment. AI holds the potential to revolutionize research, prescription practices, and tailored care for individual patients. Dr. Pérez emphasizes the importance of “developing predictive models that personalize treatments, enabling more precise and efficient care.” Despite the immense promise of AI, its practical application in clinical settings faces several hurdles, particularly in implementation and training healthcare professionals to fully utilize its potential.
President Perán further emphasizes that AI development must go hand in hand with professional training and a comprehensive strategy for its effective implementation. While AI technology advances rapidly, Dr. Pérez stresses the need for ”adequate processes and strategies to ensure efficient adoption in the healthcare system,” as the gap between innovation and real-world application requires careful navigation.
Ana Castro, President of the Compostelana Association of Diabetics, stresses the fundamental role of patient education as the cornerstone of diabetes management. “Implementing healthy lifestyle habits should be a top priority. Technology and AI are invaluable tools, but without proper education, patients are less likely to maximize their benefits,” she underscores.
Regarding updates on insulin treatment technologies, there has been progress in so-called “closed-loop” systems, a hybrid approach that combines a continuous glucose sensor with an algorithm for automatically adjusting insulin doses. This increasingly popular system, already used by many type 1 diabetes patients, offers partial automation, simplifying blood sugar management and reducing the daily burden on patients. Pérez asserts that “This system is now considered the gold standard for type 1 diabetes patients due to its effectiveness; however, access to these devices remains uneven across different regions.”
President Perán adds that, “We must work towards equitable access to these treatments across all regions” to ensure everyone has equal opportunities for managing their diabetes effectively. He emphasizes the importance of “coordinated management across regions” to prioritize urgent cases and prevent widespread accessibility issues.
The rate of diabetes in Spain continues to rise. Currently, an estimated 1 in 7 adults in the country has diabetes, although many cases go undiagnosed. In Galicia, for example, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is especially high due to the aging population, with an estimated 250,000 diabetic patients in the region. This increasing prevalence underscores the urgency of raising awareness about diabetes prevention and early diagnosis.
Castro explains that “Diabetes is an underdiagnosed condition, and we must actively work towards early diagnosis and prevention.” Dr. Pérez reinforces this point, noting that ”Early treatment and lifestyle modifications, like a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help prevent up to 60% of type 2 diabetes cases.”
World Diabetes Day, occurring this year on November 8th and 9th in Santiago de Compostela, promises to be a significant event. This gathering, situated in a region grappling with high type 2 diabetes prevalence, aims to bring together patients, families, and healthcare professionals for a comprehensive exploration of diabetes, .
Events will include informative presentations, stimulating panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. Castro highlights that the event will provide a “chance to learn, share experiences, and feel the support and unity among everyone involved in diabetes care.”
This year’s World Diabetes Day will be a testament to the importance of collaboration between those living with diabetes, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals, all working towards a future with better health outcomes and improved quality of life for all.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Antonio Pérez, President of the Diabetes Foundation
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Pérez. With World Diabetes Day approaching on November 14th, the focus this year seems to be significantly on the mental well-being of diabetes patients. Can you elaborate on why this shift is essential?
Dr. Pérez: Good morning! Yes, it is indeed crucial. While we’ve made remarkable progress in diabetes treatment, the emotional aspect of living with this condition often gets overshadowed by the physical symptoms. As the stats suggest, around 50% of individuals with diabetes experience emotional distress, which can lead to heightened anxiety and depression. Highlighting these issues is essential to provide a more holistic approach to patient care.
Editor: That’s a staggering number. You mention that the emotional burden can lead to burnout. Can you explain how this affects disease management?
Dr. Pérez: Absolutely. The constant demands of self-care, combined with the fear of complications and societal stigma, create a relentless emotional strain. This burden can lead to a decline in self-care practices, ultimately resulting in poorer disease management. Many patients find themselves exhausted and overwhelmed, hindering their ability to maintain healthy lifestyles and adhere to treatment regimens.
Editor: It’s clear that mental health is just as vital as physical health for those living with diabetes. In light of recent advancements in technology, how do you see tools like continuous glucose monitoring systems impacting patient care?
Dr. Pérez: These technologies offer tremendous benefits. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems allow for precise treatment adjustments and can help prevent dangerous episodes of hypoglycemia. However, we must also focus on integrating these tools into patients’ daily lives effectively. Training and education remain key to ensuring that patients can fully leverage these advancements.
Editor: Speaking of training, AI seems to be an exciting frontier in personalized diabetes treatment. What role does AI play in this context?
Dr. Pérez: AI has the potential to revolutionize diabetes management. By developing predictive models, we can tailor treatments to individual patients more precisely. However, the implementation of AI in clinical settings is challenging. We need adequate professional training and strategic processes to ensure efficient integration into healthcare systems. It’s about bridging the gap between innovation and practical application.
Editor: That’s an important point. With all these advancements, what gaps do you see in access to diabetes care, particularly in Spain?
Dr. Pérez: There are significant disparities in access to advanced technologies and treatments across different regions. For example, while closed-loop systems for insulin delivery are becoming the gold standard for type 1 diabetes management, not everyone has access to these devices. We must work towards equitable access to all patients, regardless of their location.
Editor: It sounds like a coordinated strategy is indeed necessary. What other advancements do you see as game-changers in diabetes treatment?
Dr. Pérez: There have been exciting developments in new medications like GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, which not only help control blood sugar but also aid in weight loss. Additionally, the focus on patient education cannot be underestimated. Effective management starts with empowering patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, which supplements any technological or pharmaceutical advancements.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what message do you want to share with our readers as we approach World Diabetes Day?
Dr. Pérez: I would like to emphasize that diabetes is not just a physical condition; it affects all aspects of a person’s life, including mental health. As we celebrate advancements in treatment, let’s not forget the importance of holistic care that addresses emotional well-being. By providing comprehensive support, we can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Pérez, for your insights. It’s crucial to keep raising awareness about these issues as we head into World Diabetes Day.
Dr. Pérez: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue working together to inform and support those managing diabetes.