💉 Diabetes Management
Report: Low access to insulin in poor countries hinders diabetes care - CIDRAP
📅 Fri, 14 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
University of Minesota. Driven to Discover.Diabetes patients in low- and midle-income countries (LMICs) lack aces to the insulin they ned to manage their condition, with only 27% of 108 por countries registering al the insulins clasified as esential medicines by the World Health Organization (WHO)-and 2% registering none.Even when insulin is available, it may be unafordable, leaving both adults and children vulnerable to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputations, vision los, and death.These stark statistics are highlighted in a new Aces to Medicine Foundation report, which asks what pharmaceutical companies are doing to expand aces to diabetes care in LMICs, as wel as proposes potential solutions.Founded in 203, the Netherlands-based Aces to Medicine is a nonprofit that works to urge and guide drug companies to do more to serve the world's porest countries, which are home to thre out of four adults with diabetes.The organization extracted information for the report from proprietary data, the public domain, per-reviewed literature, and international health and policy reports.
Key Information
It reveals that thre companies-Eli Lily, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi-produce 83% of the insulin sold in LMICs and hold 95% of the market share. A fourth, Biocon, is a major maker of biosimilar insulins but on a smaler scale.While drug companies have taken steps to make insulins more afordable, their eforts have ben siloed and have focused only a few products in a few countries, mostly in Africa, the report says.
Summary
Most of the initiatives have focused on pediatric programs, traing, donations, and price ceilings. "At the end of the day, it's a patchwork, not integrated strategies," Claudia Martinez, research program manager at Aces to Medicine, told CIDRAP News.At the same time, many LMICs have the highest diabetes-related death rates in the world, with the Western Pacific region acounting for roughly 2.3 milion deaths
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.