Within the framework of world diabetes dayOn this day, commemorated on November 14 this year, Latin American experts are calling for increased timely diagnosis and debunking myths surrounding the disease so that people with diabetes receive the medical care they need and the right treatment.
The Pan American Health Organization estimates that 112 million adults live with the following conditions: diabetes It has been reported that the prevalence of this disease has tripled in South America since 1990.
in ArgentinaMore than 1 in 10 adults have diabetes, which could represent 4.3 million patients, but according to the 2025 edition of the International Diabetes Atlas, 29% do not know they have diabetes, which equates to more than 1.2 million Argentines.
Most patients take up to seven years to reach a diagnosis, at which point about one in four people already have a vascular complication.
Diabetes: the importance of controlling the disease
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. If uncontrolled, retinal complications, decreased kidney function, heart attack, stroke Injuries to the lower extremities can lead to amputation if not treated quickly and properly. Additionally, it is the third leading cause of lifespan loss due to premature death, estimated at 8 million years.
Similarly, the following risk factors are: type 2 diabetes Obesity exists among children and adolescents in Latin America, with 16% and 19% of children, respectively, obese (this figure rises to 40% in Argentina), while 81% of adolescents do not engage in sufficient physical activity.
of Dr. Maria Gabriela RoviraThe endocrinologist and vice-president of the Argentine Diabetes Association assured that “this disease is treatable and its effects can be prevented or delayed by properly controlling blood sugar levels and related risk factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension) and maintaining it over a long period of time. This is achieved through a healthy dietary plan, regular physical activity, proper treatment compliance and continuous clinical monitoring.”
A key factor in achieving better diabetes control is adhering to the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Current treatment options range from a variety of oral medications to injectable therapies such as insulin and insulin analogs. GLP-1allowing individualized management according to each patient’s needs.
“Today, Latin America faces the dual imperative of preventing new infections through public health policies and ensuring that people with diabetes receive timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There are multiple myths about the disease and its treatment, which affect its prognosis. “We need to be able to provide evidence-based information, support and ongoing education that promotes not only access and adherence to treatment, but also the adoption of healthy habits,” he said at a press conference for journalists from across the region. Dr. Liliana Silva GomezSanofi’s Medical Director for Latin America and Cardiovascular Metabolism.
Experts rely on research, continuing medical training, treatment innovation And public-private collaboration between the region’s health systems is the way to expand access to treatment, improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes, and halt the growing impact of the disease.
Diabetes: The cost of not treating it
The direct costs of treating the disease are: diabetesprofessional consultation, laboratory and imaging tests, medications, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and related interventions are considered. An Argentine study published this year measured the direct costs of diabetes treatment in 2021, reaching an average of $1,774.48 to $1,808.86 per person per year.
Additionally, this work compared this cost to the cost of treatment. complications associated with diabetes, Establish the convenience of achieving proper control of the disease, thereby preventing the development of complications and promoting the sustainability of the healthcare system.
The research found:
- Heart attack treatment costs 6.8 to 9.2 times more than diabetes treatment.
- For stroke, costs are 2.2 to 47.7 times higher. – Increased by 7.5-9.8 times in decompensated heart failure.
- In kidney disease, it increases 2.4-2.8 times. As the disease progresses to chronic kidney disease and even end-stage kidney disease, costs increase by 7.1 to 8.8 times. A
As such, the indirect costs of failure and conditions involving disability must be considered. Absenteeism, early deathcaregiver burden, and social influences that influence different scenarios of their lives.
By investing in diabetes prevention and proper treatment, medical expenses were significantly higher in relation to the management of serious long-term complications.
One example is the global paradigm shift in corporate management. type 1 diabetesthrough early detection of antibodies. This, in addition to early and timely diagnosis, helps patients prevent serious complications at onset, such as ketoacidosis.
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