Global Diabetes Compact: Implementation in the Region of the Americas

➔ 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.

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 .

➔ WHO Classification of Diabetes: practical guidance for clinicians. OMS; 2019.

➔ WHO Guidelines on second- and third-line medicines and type of insulin for the control of blood glucose levels in non-pregnant adults with diabetes mellitus.OMS;2018.

➔ Insulin and associated devices: access for everybody: WHO stakeholder workshop, 21 and 23–25 September 2020.OMS; 2020.

➔ PAHO Building Blocks for Diabetes Education and Care. OPS;2009.

➔ Health Technology Manual. Improving the Integrated Management of Chronic Diseases at the First Level of Health Care Services, PAHO; 2017.

➔ WHO package of essential noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions for primary health care. WHO; 2020.

➔ Tackling NCDs: "Best buys” and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. WHO;2017.

➔ Diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes (HEARTS-D).WHO;2020.

➔ HEARTS, Cardiovascular risk calculator, app. PAHO;2021.

➔ Passport to Healthy lifestyles. OPS; 2012.

➔ Chronic care passport: to facilitate patient self-management.PAHO;2012.

➔ PAHO Strategic Fund (for medicines and technologies): essential diabetes medicines included and available for purchase by Member States.PAHO;2021

➔ WHO list of priority medical devices for management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. OMS;2021.

➔ World Health Organization. The WHO Global Diabetes Compact [Internet]. Geneva: WHO;2021.