November 14 – Diabetes Day Access to Diabetes Care

K P Poulose, Principal Consultant General Medicine at SUT Hospital Pattom

Under the auspices of the World Health Organization, November 14 has been observed as Diabetes Day around the world since 1991. The theme for this year is ‘Access to Diabetes Care.’ Approximately 70% of diabetic patients live in low-income nations. Due to financial constraints, more than 30 million individuals on the planet are unable to purchase life-sustaining insulin for diabetics. 86 per cent of Africa’s 138 million individuals seek assistance from foreign countries for diabetes treatment and the disease’s consequences. This is why the concept has been chosen to be implemented over the next two years.

Three primary elements have been proposed for all diabetics in any country to receive the correct treatment. They are, 

1. No diabetic should die without medication and treatment on our planet (Fact- e Every 8 seconds, a diabetic dies due to a lack of care.) That is something that modern society should ensure.

2. Diabetes treatment should not be postponed even for a day because it is a chronic condition with dangerous long-term repercussions. (Every 30 seconds, a diabetic’s fingers or toes are amputated.)

3. At the public or private sector level, advanced diagnostic technologies, glucometers, effective medications, and rehabilitation of patients with impairments should be developed.

A synopsis of a recent study conducted at Pattom SUT Hospital found that  25% of diabetics are unable to pay for their medication. Despite the fact that 40% of people use insulin which is often discontinued due to cost constraints.

“In Kerala, people abandon their aged parents on the streets, in temples, and in churches, the theme of this years campaign is highly pertinent,” says K P Poulose, Principal Consultant General Medicine at SUT Hospital Pattom.