Diabetes Impacts 112 Million Adults in the Americas: PAHO Report Highlights Gaps

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported that 112 million adults are living with diabetes in the Americas, accounting for approximately 13% of the adult population. With World Diabetes Day approaching on November 14, PAHO has highlighted the urgent need for better early detection and treatment of this chronic condition.

A staggering 43 million individuals aged 30 and over suffer from diabetes without receiving any form of treatment. The data indicates that globally, more than 40% of individuals with diabetes are unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness limits access to vital treatments and support, according to PAHO. In the Americas, diabetes remains one of the predominant causes of morbidity and mortality.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, emphasised the importance of proactive measures. “Taking early action on diabetes can change the course of the disease and prevent complications that affect the health and quality of life of millions of people,” he stated. He called for a robust primary health care system that not only detects diabetes in its initial stages but also ensures those diagnosed receive the necessary care and management.

This year, World Diabetes Day is centred on the theme “Early Action on Diabetes,” which underscores the significance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive healthcare services. One of the global goals set by member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) aims for at least 80% of diabetes cases to be diagnosed by the year 2030.

Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent variant of the disease and often develops gradually, frequently presenting minimal or no symptoms initially. Common symptoms include heightened thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Dr. Carmen Antini, PAHO Regional Advisor on Diabetes Prevention and Control, highlighted the challenges associated with the condition. “Many people may be living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it because symptoms can be mild or go unnoticed,” she remarked. Dr. Antini stressed the necessity for greater public awareness of diabetes warning signs and the ability of primary health care systems to detect and address the disease effectively.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes can often be mitigated through lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining an appropriate weight, and abstaining from tobacco use. An environment conducive to these healthier choices is also essential—this includes improved access to nutritious foods and safe areas for physical activities.

The statistics illustrate a pressing health crisis in the Americas: as of 2022, 67.5% of adults were classified as overweight or obese, and 35.6% did not meet recommended levels of physical activity.

For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, prompt access to treatment and continuous health monitoring is crucial to avoid complications. Primary health care systems are integral in identifying risk factors and delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care.

PAHO is actively working to enhance diabetes prevention, detection, and management through its Better Care for Noncommunicable Diseases initiative. This includes crafting clinical pathways, training healthcare teams, improving information systems, and increasing access to essential medications and technologies.

In anticipation of World Diabetes Day, PAHO hosted a regional webinar on November 11. The session highlighted initiatives in Belize and Panama that focus on improving diabetes care at the primary health care level and provided technical resources to health care teams in the region.