Diabetes is affecting increasingly more people in the active period of their life, influencing not only individual health, but also economic productivity and the well-being of the entire society, according to the Romanian Diabetes Forum.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, for the World Diabetes Day, celebrated every year on November 14, in Romania, the number of patients diagnosed with diabetes has increased annually, on average, by 100,000 new cases between 2019 and 2024, reflecting both global trends and the urgent need for prevention measures and support for those affected by this medical condition, which represents "an economic and social burden."
Recent data analysed at the Romanian Diabetes Forum show that only 55.5% follow the recommended treatment correctly; about 60% of patients develop chronic complications; cardiovascular complications remain the leading cause of mortality associated with diabetes.
In Romania, 20% of the population is over 65 years old and, implicitly, a much higher predisposition to chronic diseases. At the same time, 16.5% of Romanians are already in the stage of prediabetes, the burden of diabetes being "a major challenge for the health system and for the labour market alike".
In recent years, Romania has made important progress with public policies dedicated to this condition by adopting the Law on the Prevention and Early Detection of Diabetes, which creates a consistent framework for the early identification of cases, the introduction of therapeutic education for patients, which contributes to a better understanding and management of the disease, and by expanding prevention consultations, which allow faster diagnosis and reduce the risk of complications.
Patient organisations and healthcare professionals say that an inclusive and informed work environment can make the difference between illness and balance. Employers can support people with diabetes through flexible policies, access to regular checkups, health education programmes, and tailored awareness campaigns.
"Workplace can become an ally of people with diabetes, if there is understanding and support. An employee who has the opportunity to monitor their blood sugar, administer their treatment, and have access to medical advice is a productive, balanced, and engaged employee. Health education must become an integral part of the organisational culture," said Silvia Gatscher, health program manager, WHO Romania Office.
"Diabetes should not mean isolation or limitation. With the right support, empathy and applied public policies, we can transform the workplace into a friendly space for those living with this chronic disease. World Diabetes Day is a good time to remember that prevention, education and psychological support are as important as the treatment itself," said Bogdan Timar, chairman of the Romanian Society of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases.
The Romanian Diabetes Forum is the first multi-stakeholder collaboration platform in the field of diabetes, bringing together patient associations, authorities from several fields, medical societies and representatives of drug manufacturers. The project takes place under a partnership between the Romanian Society of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, the Romanian Federation of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, patient associations and the Diabetes Working Group of ARPIM. The initiative joins a similar one created by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations and the European Diabetes Forum.
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