★ Patients with diabetes demand education, equal access to treatment and quality of care.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day (WDM), the Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE) publishes its annual manifesto, which communicates the main priorities in the fight against diabetes to society. almost six million people living with this chronic pathology in Spain. These priorities, organized according to the results of several internal surveys, were presented by Juan Francisco Peran, President of FEDE, during awareness days that took place on November 8th and 9th in Santiago de Compostela. The Spanish Diabetes Society (SED) co-organized the event, which also received support from the Galician Federation of Diabetes Associations (FEGADI).

In 2024, DMD will change to around the well-being and quality of life of patients. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) promotes this approach as a way to raise awareness of the need to look beyond blood glucose levels and address social and psychological determinants which determines the development of pathology and the quality of life of those who live with it. This is the most important question because Approximately 50% of people with diabetes suffer from emotional stress and are more likely to develop problems such as depression and anxiety.

Juan Francisco Peran, President of FEDE, stated the following: “The fact that we are talking about the well-being of the patient and his family tells us something. This means that behind us long tail of therapeutic advances Thanks to which today we, patients, can truly live well. The rapid development of insulins, sensors and continuous glucose monitoring systems, and immune therapies for type 1 diabetes are just an example of how innovation has always improved our lives.

. We currently see very promising areas of research in early detection of type 1 diabetes or the use of artificial intelligence for more accurate and personalized diabetes diagnosis. However, as a society, we still have several unresolved issues regarding people with diabetes, especially given the rapid spread of the disease throughout the world.”

Education, equality of access and quality of medical care, the main problems of the group

According to IDF, the prevalence of diabetes in Spain is 14.8%. This means that approximately every seventh adult lives with this pathologyalthough many cases go undiagnosed; and experts say these numbers will continue to rise. It is therefore essential that patient associations work actively together with scientific societies, health professionals and members of public administration to ensure an effective response to the present and future needs of patients with diabetes. In this sense, FEDE identifies ten main priorities that the association movement is committed to continue working on next year, the content of which can be found below:

1. Quality diabetes education

Lack of diabetes education is one of the ongoing problems currently in Spain. For this reason, FEDE will continue to work on training patient assessors and will also require administrations to implement training plans. He is also working with the nursing community to consolidate the number of experienced diabetes nurses.

2. National Diabetes Justice.

Full equality of access to technology and medicines must be guaranteed for all people with diabetes. FEDE firmly maintains that each person’s postcode cannot constitute discrimination in the treatment prescribed and is committed to demanding national equity in diabetes before the competent administrations.

3. Quality medical supplies and care for all patients

Patients with diabetes have the right to complete confidence in their treatment. How? Ensuring reliable and efficient medical supplies and quality health care for all patients. To this end, FEDE continues to require patient representation in public competitions for diabetes medicines and technological devices.

4. Patient participation in decision making.

People with diabetes have the right to participate in decisions about their care. FEDE declares this involvement in two main areas: in medical consultation, where an individual approach tailored to the patient’s experience is required; and in public policy development through the participation of patient representatives in health care strategies.

5. Public health focuses on chronic diseases

Given the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, healthcare is undergoing an evolution in which the role of the chronic patient plays an increasingly important role. In this context, FEDE becomes available to all organizations working towards the same goal to demand medical care that meets those needs.

6. Increased investment in research and technology

We are currently witnessing a real technological and pharmacological revolution in the healthcare sector, especially in the field of diabetes treatment. In Spain, as well as internationally, we are witnessing numerous research initiatives with the potential to improve the quality of life of patients, the continuity of which must be guaranteed over time.

7. Information and preventive actions

Given the prevalence of diabetes worldwide, efforts to increase awareness of healthy lifestyle habits targeting society at large are urgently needed. FEDE works closely with other organizations, groups and scientific societies to launch these types of awareness initiatives.

8. Psychological assistance to patients and caregivers.

People with diabetes, as well as their families and carers, have to deal with enormous emotional and psychological stress every day, which can lead to so-called disaster or chronic stress. FEDE works in collaboration with patient associations and federations to implement support and psychological assistance measures for these patients.

9. School of Nursing

The figure of the school nurse, which is currently implemented unevenly in different autonomous regions, allows for constant monitoring of children with diabetes, and also increases students’ awareness of healthy habits. FEDE is working to consolidate and confirm the presence of this figure in educational centers in collaboration with nursing groups.

10. Social, labor and educational equality

No person should be discriminated against in their work, social or educational settings because they have a chronic condition such as diabetes. For many years, FEDE has worked to eliminate any unfair differences in this regard.

Fountain

Spanish Federation of Diabetes (FEDE)