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Showing posts from July, 2024

What It’s Like to Live with Type 1 Diabetes in a World of Compromises

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Cover Image with the title   Living with type 1 diabetes presents challenges no matter where you are in the world. However, for those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the obstacles are particularly daunting. While high-income countries grapple with their own set of issues, the stark reality in LMICs often revolves around having to make impossible choices or, in many cases, not having any choices at all. This blog post aims to shed light on what it's like to live with type 1 diabetes in these regions, emphasizing both the challenges and the resilience of those affected. The Reality of Living with Type 1 Diabetes in LMICs 1. Accessibility to Insulin and Supplies: In many LMICs, access to insulin and essential diabetes supplies is far from guaranteed. Unlike in high-income countries where insulin is relatively more accessible, people with type 1 diabetes in LMICs often face shortages. This scarcity forces individuals and families to make heart-wrenching decisions, such as ...

The Looming Diabetes Health Budget Crisis: A Call to Action for Better Management and Prevention

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Call to Action Introduction As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, so does the financial burden associated with its management. Predictions from trusted sources like the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicate that the health budget for diabetes alone could reach over a trillion US dollars soon. This staggering figure is driven by various factors, including the lack of access to diabetes necessities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to increased hospitalizations. Healthcare systems must pivot towards a model focused on prevention and effective management to mitigate these costs and improve outcomes for people with diabetes. The Financial Burden of Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations. These complications often result in hospitalizations, which are costly and strain healthcare systems. According to the IDF, t...