The central message of the information actions implemented by Hellenic Diabetic Society for Diabetes Mellitusin celebration of World Diabetes Day (November 14), this year, is “Find out about the dangers of Diabetes Mellitus, act in time».

The information campaign focuses on the importance of recognizing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes in order to delay or prevent the onset of diabetic complications.

The president of EDE, Anastasia Mavrogiannakis, pathologist-diabetologist, doctor of the Faculty of Medicine EKPA, director of the 2nd Pathology Clinic & head of the Diabetic Center GNA “NIMTS”, referring to the message of this year’s campaign, points out that “many people are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes when complications are already present. For people at risk of type 2 diabetes, being informed and recognizing the risk can help prevent or delay the disease and its complications. For people with Diabetes, early diagnosis and proper treatment are vital to prevent diabetic complications. In Greece, the total average annual cost for each person with Diabetes and complications is estimated at 7,000 euros, while 12% of the Health budget is spent on treating the disease and its complications. Evidence shows that prophylaxis is cost-effective and prevention strategies are necessary».

The president of the EDE reportsalso, otFor healthcare professionals, optimal training is essentialin order to provide the best possible care to people with Diabetes. “In our country, Diabetes Centers and Clinics are constantly weakened and under-functioning due to a lack of specialized Health workers. Our goal, as a scientific company, is ensuring quality education and the existence of specialized Health workers, in order to achieve a high level of medical care, reduce complications and reduce costs for the health system. The institutionalized specialization of pathologists and pediatricians in diabetes since 2018 has not yet taken the form of final implementation, despite the issuance of a Ministerial Decision with implementing provisions, since the clarifying circulars for its activation have not yet been issued and there is still no possibility of specialization new doctors”.

In conclusion, Mrs. Mavrogiannakis notes: “The Hellenic Diabetes Association is sounding the alarm: we need well-trained doctors, not only in Athens but also in the region, so that citizens can be offered high-level medical care. The Diabetes Centers must be re-evaluated immediately, specialist positions in Diabetes Mellitus must be established and specialization in Diabetes Mellitus must begin.”

For his part, the general secretary of EDE, Kostantinos Makrylakis, professor of Pathology – Metabolic Diseases at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1st Pre-Educational Pathology Clinic & Diabetes Center GNA “LAIKO”, member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Europe Board, underlines the seriousness of Diabetes Mellitus and emphasizes that: “Diabetes is a difficult to perceive and complex disease that leads to serious complications and burdens the quality of life. It is estimated that 12% of the Greek population lives with Diabetes, and 29.1% of people with Diabetes are uncontrolled, while 12.4% of the population has pre-diabetes. In total, about 2,700,000 people are associated with this disease. It is vital that healthcare professionals are educated and aware of the early detection and diagnosis of Diabetes in order to provide the best possible care to those suffering from the disease. Indeed, the scientific expertise in the field of Diabetes needs to be renewed and strengthened, as this field has been wronged for more than four years, due to the lack of qualified doctors and the lack of staff. This situation, if it continues, will lead to the weakening of Diabetes Centers and Diabetes Clinics in our country and puts the health of Diabetes patients at risk.”