On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the World Health Organisation’s South-East Asia Region issued a renewed call for urgent and coordinated action to tackle the rising burden of diabetes, which now affects more than two hundred and seventy-nine million adults in the region, nearly one-third of the global total.

This year’s theme -Diabetes across life stages” emphasises the need for equitable and age-appropriate care from childhood to old age.

Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge for WHO South-East Asia, said that diabetes continues to pose a serious challenge due to late diagnosis, insufficient treatment, and poor control of blood glucose levels. She highlighted that only one in three adults with diabetes across the region receives treatment, and fewer than 15 per cent manage to keep their blood glucose adequately controlled.

According to the WHO, children living with diabetes need timely and tailored support at home and in school, pregnant women require proper management to safeguard their own health and that of their babies, and older adults need continuous guidance to manage their condition and prevent life-threatening complications.

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Boehme reiterated that it can be effectively managed, while the risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Proper medication and lifestyle changes can help prevent complications in those already diagnosed.