Global Diabetes Compact: Implementation in the Region of the Americas

GLOBAL DIABETES COMPACT
Implementation in the Region of the Americas

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Diabetes Compact (GDC) was created as a global initiative to improve diabetes prevention and care, and to contribute to the global targets to reduce premature mortality due to noncommunicable diseases by one-third by 2030.

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People living with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and are among the most impacted by the pandemic.

What is the Global Diabetes Compact?

Vision: To reduce the risk of diabetes and ensure that all people diagnosed with diabetes have access to quality care and treatment that is equitable, comprehensive, and affordable.

Overall Goal: Support countries in the developing, implementing, and evaluating of cost-effective programs with impact in the population, for the prevention and control of diabetes.

Pillars

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Why is a Global Diabetes Compact needed now?

➔ Diabetes epidemy is still arising across our Region: It is the sixth leading cause of death in the region and 34% of those are premature (30-69 years). In 2019 it became the second largest contributor to regional Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The number of people living with diabetes continues to increase. Currently there are 62 million and it is estimated that it will reach 112 million in 2045.

➔ Its main related risk factors (overweight / obesity and physical inactivity have a very high prevalence.

➔ Gaps in diagnosis and treatment: 39% of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed and 50% -70% of those who are diagnosed do not have their blood glucose levels under control, which causes a greater number of complications.

➔ Gaps in access to medicines and technologies: after 100 years of the discovery of insulin, 50% of people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin do not have access to it regularly.

➔ Gaps in access to primary health care with the need to improve the quality of the health care and diabetes self-management.

➔ Gaps in Universal Health Coverage that generates a high cost for people with diabetes and their families.

➔ COVID-19 has generated in almost 50% of the countries some degree of interruption in diabetes control services, which has made it difficult to access management and medication. People with diabetes are a vulnerable group to COVID-19.

All of this has considerably increased health spending for people living with diabetes, the health system and governments.

How will the Global Diabetes Compact be applied in the Region of the Americas?

The following strategies and actions will be implemented by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with Member States and partner organizations, to contribute to the Global Diabetes .