In a frame World Diabetes DayCelebrated on November 14 this year, Latin American specialists call for promoting timely diagnosis and debunking myths surrounding this disease, in order to help diabetics get the medical care they need and receive appropriate treatment.
The Pan American Health Organization estimates that 112 million adults live with it Diabetes In South America, the prevalence of this disease has tripled since 1990.
in ArgentinaMore than 1 in 10 adults have diabetes, which may represent 4.3 million patients, although according to the 2025 edition of the International Diabetes Atlas, 29% do not know it, which represents more than 1.2 million Argentines.
Most patients reach diagnosis up to 7 years late, so about 1 in 4 will develop vascular complications in that time.
Diabetes: the importance of controlling the disease
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. When not controlled, it greatly increases the risk of developing retinal complications, deteriorating kidney function, Heart attack and stroke And injuries to the lower extremities that can lead to amputation if not treated quickly and appropriately. In addition, it is the third cause of years lost due to premature death, estimated at eight million years.
Likewise, the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes It is found in children and adolescents in Latin America: 16% and 19% of children are obese, respectively (in Argentina, the figure rises to 40%), while 81% of adolescents are not physically active enough.
the Dr. Maria Gabriela RoviraThe endocrinologist and Vice President of the Argentine Diabetes Association stressed that “the disease is treatable and that by achieving adequate control of blood sugar levels and associated risk factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension) and maintaining it over time, its consequences can be prevented or delayed. This is achieved through a healthy eating plan, regular physical activity, compliance with appropriate medical treatment and continuous clinical monitoring.”
One of the key factors in achieving better diabetes control is adherence to the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Current treatment options range from various oral medications to injectable therapies such as insulin and its analogues. GLP-1which allows personalized management according to the needs of each patient.
“Latin America today faces a double urgency: preventing new cases through public health policies and ensuring that patients with diabetes receive timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There are many myths about the disease and its treatment, which affect the diagnosis and can lead to complications. It is essential that we are able to provide evidence-based information, support and continuing education that favors the opportunity and compliance with treatment, but also the adoption of healthy habits,” he said during a press conference for journalists from across the region. Dr. Liliana Silva GomezMedical Director of LATAM for the Cardiovascular Area at Sanofi.
The experts reiterated that ongoing medical research and training, Therapeutic innovation Public-private collaboration between health systems in the region is the key to expanding access to treatment, improving the quality of life of people with diabetes and halting the growing impact of the disease.
Diabetes: The cost of not treating it
Among the direct costs of treating a disease such as: DiabetesProfessional consultations, laboratory and imaging studies, medications, hospitalization, rehabilitation and associated interventions are taken into account. An Argentine study, published this year, measured the direct cost of treating diabetes in 2021, and it amounted to, on average, between US$1,774.48 and US$1,808.86 per person per year.
Furthermore, the work compared this cost to the cost of treatment complications associated with diabetes, To demonstrate the suitability of achieving adequate disease control and thus preventing the development of complications, in the interest of the sustainability of health systems.
The study showed the following:
- Treating a heart attack costs 6.8 to 9.2 times higher than treating diabetes.
- In stroke, the cost ranges from 2.2 to 47.7 times more. – In the case of decompensated heart failure, it increases between 7.5 and 9.8 times.
- In kidney disease, it increases between 2.4 and 2.8 times. As CKD progresses to end-stage renal disease, costs multiply between 7.1 and 8.8 times.
In itself, the indirect costs of the condition must be taken into account, which include disability or Absenteeism from work and premature deathsThe burden on caregivers and the social impact affecting different scenarios in their lives.
By investing in the prevention and proper treatment of diabetes, you can avoid it Medical costs Much higher associated with the management of serious long-term complications.
An example of this is the global paradigm shift in management Type 1 diabetesThis is through early detection of antibodies. This, combined with early and timely diagnosis, will help the patient prevent serious complications from occurring initially, such as ketoacidosis.
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