Lebanon’s Economic Crisis Takes Its Toll on Diabetic Patients
World Diabetes Day Conference Launches New Campaign
During the 16th edition of the World Diabetes Day conference, the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Lipids (LSEDL) launched a new initiative. They collaborated with the Chronic Care Center (CCC) on this effort. Together, they introduced the “Diabetes Cannot Wait” campaign, which sheds light on the concept of Access to Comprehensive Care.
Panelists Discuss the Challenges
Panelists representing the LSEDL, CCC, and the Order of Nurses discussed the various challenges diabetic patients face during this difficult period.
Alarming Statistics Reveal the Scale of the Crisis
More than 529,900 adults and 4,000 children live with diabetes in Lebanon. Access to medication and medical supplies has become a major struggle. The severe economic crisis that Lebanon has endured for the past 20 months caused this situation.
The Healthcare System Suffered Severe Damage
The healthcare system suffered huge damage due to several factors. Most notably, the import of medications and medical supplies remained on hold for six months.
Dr. Paola Atallah Explains the Severity
To expound on the severity of the situation, Dr. Paola Atallah, Head of the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Lipids, explained: “11% of adults aged between 20 and 79 years old live with diabetes in Lebanon.”
Dwindling Supplies Expose Patients to Complications
Dr. Atallah highlighted that the dwindling supplies of essential and innovative drugs expose diabetic patients to life-threatening complications. If we do not treat these patients in a timely manner and with uninterrupted access to their medications, the risks increase dramatically.
Type 1 Diabetic Patients Face Greater Risks
Access to insulin and medical supplies becomes even more critical for Type 1 diabetic patients. On this point, Mrs. Michelle Abi Saad, Administrative Director at CCC, stated: “Children with Type 1 diabetes rely on insulin for survival. They also need daily blood glucose testing for adequate treatment. We are struggling to ensure a continuous supply of insulins and medical supplies to our children and the Type 1 diabetic patients aged over 21 years registered at the center.”
The Quality of Life for 2,700 Patients Hangs in the Balance
“We fear that these challenges will eventually compromise the quality of life for more than 2,700 patients. These patients rely on the services and support of the CCC. They also depend on the quality of care they receive at the Center, an IDF Center of Excellence in Diabetes Care.”
Dr. Therese Abi Nasr Explains How Insulin Works
Dr. Therese Abi Nasr added that insulin is a hormone. The pancreas makes this hormone, which controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Low levels of insulin prevent glucose uptake by the cells. When this happens, blood glucose levels rise. Over time, these increased levels can damage blood vessels. They can also reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s organs and nerves.
The Nurses’ Order President Weighs In
The lack of accessible diabetes medications represents a dire problem for the medical society as well. On this point, the President of the Nurses’ Order, Rima Sassine Kazan, focused on the challenges they face as front-liners with diabetic patients.
Hyperglycemia Episodes Increase Dangerously
“Having stable blood glucose levels is critical for diabetic patients,” she said. “Unfortunately, Lebanese diabetic patients are fighting episodes of hyperglycemia due to the unavailability of drugs. The increase in blood glucose levels might contribute to a quick progression of the disease. It will also lead to micro and macrovascular complications.”
About LSEDL
The Lebanese Society for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Lipids is a scientific medical committee. It operates as part of the Lebanese Order of Physicians. The society dedicates itself to bringing Lebanese endocrinologists into a scientific community. Together, they work to advance and innovate endocrinology in Lebanon.
About CCC
The Chronic Care Center is a medico-social institution. It specializes in treating and following childhood chronic diseases, specifically Thalassemia and Type I Diabetes. The Center is a member of the International Federation of Diabetes (IDF). It also holds recognition as an IDF Center of Excellence in Diabetes Care.
About Order of Nurses
The Order of Nurses has its headquarters in the capital, Beirut. It gathers all nurses with a degree who have the right to exercise the nursing profession.
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