Diabetes: A Bitter Reality - A Community Issue Demanding Collective Action

By Dr. Bassam Darwish,

Health Media and Medical Development Consultant

Each year on November 14th, we mark World Diabetes Day. Yet, as I read the recurring phrases such as "celebrating World Diabetes Day," I pause and wonder: What exactly are we celebrating?

Have the numbers of diabetes patients decreased?

Have complications such as kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and amputations declined?

?Or, have we reduced the cardiovascular deaths associated with diabetes?

The reality is that these occasions often pass without any real change in confronting this relentless disease.

We must ask ourselves: Is diabetes a battle we can win?

?Can we diagnose prediabetes in time to prevent it? I recall a particularly poignant experience with a diabetes patient whom I encouraged to seek proper medical care, directing him to a specialist in hopes of avoiding the tragic outcome of limb amputation. Unfortunately, he didn’t adhere to the guidance. He later called me from abroad, just after arriving from treatment, and said, "They amputated my leg." This scenario repeats itself for thousands of patients who neglect their condition for various reasons, underscoring the urgent need for innovative, effective health awareness.

?Promoting Health Through Sustainable and Innovative Approaches

We need to promote health in ways that reflect lessons from previous awareness attempts, many of which fell short. Recognizing the challenges we face and the gaps that exist is a step forward. This means uniting efforts across governmental and private sectors, charitable organizations, educational institutions, media, and social media influencers.

The human and financial costs of diabetes and its complications are substantial, while the cost of prevention is comparatively minimal.

Years ago, Saudi Arabia allocated a significant budget to create a health television channel to raise awareness about diabetes; however, this project was never realized. We also launched the Diabetes in the Gulf magazine years ago, which eventually ceased due to a lack of funding. These examples highlight the need to direct our efforts toward sustainable prevention and awareness.

When we launched the "Life is Sweeter Without Sugar" campaign, it received minimal support, except for Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, the former regional director of the World Health Organization, who shared a passion for the importance of awareness, prevention, and managing health for improved quality of life, along with a few dedicated female doctors.

?Are Campaigns Achieving Their Goals?

According to the World Health Organization, Saudi Arabia has the second-highest rate of diabetes in the Middle East and the seventh-highest in the world.

Studies indicate that 52% of people with Type 2 diabetes die from cardiovascular disease-related causes. Saudi Arabia has set a goal to reach zero deaths due to diabetes by 2025, with a 10% reduction in new cases by 2030.

To achieve this, the country has launched health programs and campaigns focused on regular screenings, early intervention, and lifestyle changes with the support of nutrition clinics.

We hope to meet these goals, but we must rethink and improve our strategies, assessing past campaigns to understand why some have failed.

?Diabetes in Our Region: A Harsh Reality Requiring Joint Efforts

In the Arab region, approximately one in four people is affected by diabetes, and many of these individuals are unaware of their condition or are in the prediabetes stage. Diabetes is not just a disease affecting individuals; it is a community issue that demands widespread collaboration and shared responsibility.

As the global prevalence of Type 2 diabetes continues to rise, largely influenced by lifestyle factors, we must adopt a community-based model for diabetes prevention, awareness, and education. This model aims to enhance collective response and empower individuals and communities to adopt healthy habits and take proactive steps.

?Key Elements of a Successful Diabetes Awareness Program

To be effective, diabetes awareness programs need to be comprehensive, involving community support systems, accessible resources, and collective engagement for meaningful results. Here are essential elements for building a successful diabetes awareness program:

1. Community Engagement and Collective Participation:?

?? Successful awareness programs start by understanding the cultural and social needs of the community, involving its members and leaders in planning, implementation, and evaluation. When communities feel ownership of the program, participation increases, and the impact deepens.

2. Culturally Appropriate Education:?

?? Awareness messages must be adaptable and tailored to the community’s diversity. This includes providing information in multiple languages, understanding local dietary habits, and delivering guidance that aligns with cultural preferences. When people feel that the messages resonate with them, the likelihood of positive change increases.

3. Facilitating Access to Resources and Support Networks:?

?? Effective health awareness programs provide access to screenings and consultations, along with educational resources that encourage proactive diabetes management. Building support networks within the community, such as support groups and health clubs, helps individuals commit to healthy practices.

4. Family and Social Network Support:?

?? Diabetes management is not solely the individual's responsibility; it is a challenge that requires family and friends' support. By educating family members, they can better support the patient, reinforcing healthy habits and improving the patient's quality of life.

5. Encouraging Physical Activity and Healthy Food Environments:?

?? Diet and physical activity play a critical role in diabetes prevention and management. Programs can collaborate with schools and companies to promote healthier food options and provide opportunities for physical activity, such as organizing sports events and cooking classes.

6. Continuous Monitoring and Feedback:?

?? Effective awareness programs facilitate regular follow-ups, including periodic screenings, blood glucose monitoring, and progress evaluations. These actions provide feedback that motivates individuals to continue on a healthy path.

?An Effective Educational Model for Lasting Impact

The community-centered educational model is the most effective approach to tackling diabetes, as it collaboratively focuses on prevention and management. It combines interactive methods with modern technology to ensure sustainable learning and impact. Here are the elements of this model:

1. Interactive and Practical Learning:?

?? Practical education, such as cooking classes and physical activities, proves more effective than theoretical lectures in encouraging behavioral change. These activities allow participants to gain immediately applicable skills, boosting commitment.

2. Community Leaders and Health Workers' Involvement:?

?? When community members lead educational sessions, participants feel supported and better understand the information. Trained health workers can provide personalized advice, increasing the effectiveness of health messages.

3. Leveraging Technology:?

?? Health apps, artificial intelligence tools, online support groups, and SMS reminders facilitate continuous engagement. These tools offer advice and monitor health progress conveniently and effectively, especially in rural areas.

4. Empowering Individuals and Boosting Self-Confidence:?

?? Diabetes education should focus on empowering individuals by providing support that builds confidence in their ability to control their health. People who feel capable of managing diabetes are more likely to adhere to health recommendations.

5. Awareness in Schools and Workplaces:?

?? Schools and workplaces provide ideal environments for diabetes awareness. Integrating health awareness into school curricula helps establish healthy habits early on, while workplace programs encourage a healthy lifestyle and reduce diabetes risks.

Integrating health education into the curriculum in innovative ways establishes a culture of health from an early age, as awareness in youth leads to health, vitality, and prevention in adulthood.

?Measuring Success: Evaluating Community Impact

The effectiveness of programs should be assessed through improvements in health knowledge, changes in health behaviors, and reductions in diabetes rates. This includes evaluating decreases in diabetes-related hospital admissions, increased physical activity, and improved dietary habits. Gathering participant and community feedback can help enhance the program and adapt it to meet evolving needs.

?Diabetes: A Shared Responsibility

Diabetes is not an individual challenge but a community issue that requires everyone's cooperation. By spreading awareness, leveraging technology, and building supportive environments, we can make diabetes prevention a tangible reality. Our message is that diabetes is not inevitable, and we can confront it together to ensure a healthier future for all.

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