As communities globally come together to commemorate World Diabetes Day, my thoughts pivot to Africa, a region battling a diabetes crisis. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) presents a concerning reality: a mere 46% of those with diabetes in Africa are even aware of their diagnosis. This is dishearteningly distinct from the global average, which stands at 55%.
This gap in awareness magnifies the risk of severe illness, complications, and death in a region already bearing the brunt of high mortality rates from diabetes, other NCDs, and communicable diseases. This stark situation unveils a truth we cannot ignore: there’s a profound inadequacy of diabetes testing infrastructure, insufficiently trained healthcare staff, restricted accessibility to health facilities, and an overarching unawareness of diabetes. All these factors together create significant barriers to diabetes diagnosis and management in Africa.
Globally, diabetes affects 1 in 10 adults, with over 90% being cases of type 2 diabetes. Of these individuals, close to half remain undiagnosed. The broader narrative is that by mid-century, diabetes could potentially affect an overwhelming 1.31 billion individuals, up from 537 million in 2021. By 2045, it’s projected that three-fourths of these people will be in low-to-middle-income countries, many of whom will be with limited access to the requisite care. Moreover, in 2021 alone, diabetes was the cause of a staggering 6.7 million deaths.
These statistics highlight an urgent global challenge: the need to address systemic inequities fuelling the diabetes crisis, from healthcare access to entrenched societal barriers. The future demands a holistic approach, transcending mere medical interventions, to ensure a healthier global legacy.
A Transformative Approach: Technology Meets Community
The cornerstone of Medtronic LABS’ ethos is a marriage of technology and community work—a blend of grassroots community work and technology that enables holistic healthcare solutions. This transformative approach stands at the core of evolving healthcare frameworks, promising a more integrated healthcare future.
Transitioning to Bangladesh, a country facing a similar narrative of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) albeit in a different cultural and demographic backdrop, the tale of Medtronic LABS continues. Here, the partnership between the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, BRAC, and Medtronic LABS assists in launching a multi-year partnership to expand access and improve outcomes for NCD patients, leveraging community health workers and incorporating patient-centered approaches to monitor and improve patient outcomes.
To address the gap in awareness and early diagnosis, we work with Governments and other stakeholders to facilitate digital health-enabled community-based health education and screening and follow up with those found to have elevated blood glucose to ensure they go to the facility for confirmation of diagnosis and enrolment into care.
In a concerted effort to combat diabetes, Medtronic LABS has initiated a comprehensive screening and management program that underscores the power of proactive healthcare. Our commitment over the last four years has been not just to identify those living with diabetes but to catalyze a transformation in patient care. Here’s a snapshot of the remarkable journey from screening to sustainable health management, empowered by our SPICE platform – a testament to our dedication to making healthcare accessible and effective for all.
Our mission starts at the community level, where we’ve screened over 307,317 individuals, taking the first steps in diabetes awareness and prevention.
From these screenings, we’ve welcomed nearly 20,000 individuals into our care program, joining a growing family of 64,845 people receiving comprehensive diabetes management.
With consistent follow-ups, 20,375 patients have received recent blood glucose readings, and we’re proud to report that 55% are maintaining controlled levels, marking progress from our initial data.
In my experience, I’ve often realized that treating a patient is more than just addressing their immediate medical condition. It’s about seeing the bigger picture — understanding their backgrounds, their daily challenges, and other socio-economic factors that play into their health. Being aware of one’s risk factors, such as family history, weight/obesity, and lifestyle choices, among others, is paramount. Regular screening, particularly for those with increased risk, can aid early detection and timely intervention.
This holistic approach is what pushes us towards transforming healthcare for the better. To effectively combat diabetes, we need to dig deeper than just surface-level treatments. We need to understand the root causes and work to eliminate them. Our vision, working with Ministries of Health and other partners has always been clear: everyone, no matter where they’re from, should have easy access to the care they need.
And it’s heartening to see our efforts bearing fruit. I’ve seen patients, who we identified with dangerously high blood sugar or blood pressure levels, make significant improvements in just a few months. Their stories, of not just getting better but also improving their overall quality of life, truly showcase the impact of the integrated approach we advocate for at Medtronic LABS.
Looking Ahead: Paving the Way for Health Equity
The narrative of Medtronic LABS, transcending borders from Africa to Asia, underscores a promising trajectory toward addressing the systemic challenges surrounding diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. It’s a testament to the transformative power of community-centric, technology-enabled healthcare delivery models in confronting global health crises.
In my journey with Medtronic LABS, I have seen the power of collaboration and long-term vision. The blend of data-driven strategies, robust technologies, and an empathetic approach to holistic healthcare showcases the potential of our innovative platforms. We don’t just focus on immediate solutions; we’re committed to fostering sustainable and scalable health transformations, ensuring that the benefits we achieve today will be enduring for future generations.
On this World Diabetes Day, as we reflect on our progress and challenges, let us remember that true change arises from collective action, understanding, and the realization that healthcare is a fundamental human right.
Join the Mission: Partner with Medtronic LABS on our mission to transform the face of healthcare.
Discover more about our approach and programs. Dive into SPICE, our innovative technology platform, and witness its transformative impact on community healthcare.
