FEDE Demands Early Detection Programs for Type 1 Diabetes in Minors in Congress
The Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE) presented this Monday at the Congress of Deputies a social movement “#Grow WithoutDiabetes”who advocates early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in the Spanish pediatric population.
He did it within a day “Time to change lives: the urgency of early detection of T1DM”which was attended by representatives of patient associations, a panel of experts, health authorities and parliamentary representatives of all political parties.
Thus, FEDE explained that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune pathology that begins to develop months or even years before the first symptoms appear. The disease occurs in three phases, characterized by progressive destruction of pancreatic beta cellsresponsible for the production of insulin.
T1DM autoimmunity can be detected using screening tests, which consist of a finger prick and reveal the presence and amount of certain antibodies, as well as determine the phase in which the disease is present.
“Once diagnosed, protocolized follow-up can significantly reduce the number or duration of hospitalizations and avoid admission to intensive care units.”
“Early diagnosis will allow us to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication that is life-threatening and can have serious health consequences, including poor cognitive development in childhood and more difficult glycemic control throughout life,” said the department professor. Pediatric Hospital of the University of Cruces and UPV/EHU, as well as a researcher at CIBERDEM and the European Endo-ERN network, Louis Castano. “In addition, once diagnosis is made, protocolized follow-up can significantly reduce the number or duration of hospitalizations and avoid admission to intensive care units,” the expert added.
For his part, the President of FEDE, Juan Francisco Peranexplained that the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is a “blow” for the family. “You find yourself face to face with the disease day after day when your daughter or son is admitted to the hospital. At this point it is almost impossible to comprehend the consequences it will have on the girl or boy and on the entire core family. It’s important that you get out of the hospital and get it or have it at home,” he explained.
“In addition to the clinical benefits, early detection has significant psychological and emotional benefitsbecause this allows us to gain the necessary time to obtain the necessary therapeutic education and learn to manage the pathology before its symptoms appear,” said Peran.
Experts say early diagnosis can change the psychological impact at the time of diagnosis. But this grief must be accompanied by psychological help to ease the transition. In this sense, Maria Alonso, an expert diabetes psychologist, advocates for “greater investment in mental health specialized in diabetes.” “Without mental health, there will be no well-managed diabetes,” he assured.
“EVALUATE WHICH EARLY DETECTION STRATEGY IS BEST”
For my part, Pedro GullonDirector General of the Department of Public Health and Health Equity of the Ministry of Health, assured that “public health must advocate for improving the course and quality of life of people with diabetes.” “We must act decisively and scientifically. The way forward in Spain is to evaluate which early detection strategy is best, what characteristics early diagnostic tests should have to maximize their results, and what alternatives we have to change the course of the disease.” “, he emphasized.
Early detection is a way to “improve people’s quality of life”
According to FEDE, this statement was supported by the main parliamentary groups in the Congress, which emphasized the importance of equality, dialogue and cooperation as the basis for advancing the path that remains to be followed. Everything is accompanied by scientific evidence and knowledge. According to Isaura LealSecond Secretary of the Congressional Council, early detection is a way to “improve people’s quality of life.”
Thus, the Federation highlighted that in the international sphere, over the past decade, several European countries and other continents have reformulated their approaches by implementing pilot programs for the early detection of T1DM. Countries such as Germany, the UK, Sweden, Australia and the US have implemented initiatives aimed at the general population, and most recently Italy launched an early diagnosis program for the pediatric population.
In Spain they are diagnosed every year. 1200 to 1500 new cases of type 1 diabetes Children under 15 have one of the highest rates in Southern Europe.