World Diabetes Awareness Day Access to Care: A Global Priority
Every year, World Diabetes Awareness Day access to care brings attention to one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide. With millions of people living with diabetes many undiagnosed this day serves as a reminder that access to diabetes care remains unequal across communities and countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 400 million people live with diabetes globally. Despite the availability of effective treatments and preventive strategies, a significant number of individuals lack consistent access to insulin, glucose monitoring devices, and education about disease management.
The Importance of Access to Diabetes Care
The 2025 World Diabetes Awareness Day access to care campaign emphasizes that everyone with diabetes deserves affordable and continuous medical support. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that early diagnosis and effective management can prevent severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.
At Abarca Health, we stand committed to improving access to care through our Oasis Community Program, which supports health education, preventive care, and chronic disease management across Puerto Rico and beyond.
Bridging the Gap: Education and Empowerment
Education plays a crucial role in diabetes prevention and control. By empowering patients with information about healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, and medication adherence, healthcare organizations can significantly improve outcomes.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) continues to call for global collaboration to eliminate disparities in diabetes care. Communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers must work together to ensure that no one is left behind in receiving life-saving care and resources.
Moving Toward a Healthier Future
The World Diabetes Awareness Day access to care initiative serves as a global call to action—urging countries to strengthen their healthcare systems and invest in long-term diabetes management solutions.
Through programs like Oasis Community Program, Abarca Health remains dedicated to reducing barriers and promoting better healthcare outcomes for individuals and families affected by chronic diseases.
Types of Diabetes
There are significant differences between type 1 diabetes (~ 5-10% of people) and type 2 diabetes (90-95% of people). Other types, such as unusual genetic forms of diabetes, also exist. Diagnosing the type of diabetes is vital for appropriate medical treatment.
- Type 1 Diabetes– Some types of diabetes — like type 1 — are caused by factors out of your control. Type 1 is caused by an autoimmune reaction where your body attacks itself and stops you from creating insulin. This type is fast developing and diagnosed in kids, teens, and young adults. People who have this kind will need to take insulin every day.
Risk Factors: Family history and your age.
- Type 2 Diabetes– Your body cannot maintain regular blood sugar. This slow-developing type is mainly diagnosed in adults. If left untreated, it can lead to issues with weight, even with healthy eating and exercise habits.
Risk Factors: Weight issues, 45 years or older, family history, gestational diabetes, and/or having a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Gestational Diabetes– This type of diabetes can develop in pregnant women even when they have never had diabetes. Gestational diabetes can create health issues for your baby. The good news is this type goes away after your baby is born. Unfortunately, this increases your and your child’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Risk Factors: Previous gestational diabetes, given birth to a baby over 9 pounds, 25 years or older, family history, and PCOS.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ according to the type of diabetes that you have. Type 1 can include vomiting, stomach pains, and vomiting. Type 2 and gestational diabetes symptoms are often hard to pinpoint and might be silent. We suggest getting your blood sugar tested if you happen to have any or all of these symptoms:
- Urinate often at night
- Increased thirst
- Weight loss without trying
- Blurry vision
- Numb or tingling hands or feet
- Chronically exhausted
- Dry skin with slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
For more information on prevention and management, visit the CDC Diabetes Prevention Program and explore educational materials from the WHO Global Diabetes Compact.
Prevention and treatment
According to the NIH, “Taking insulin or other diabetes medicines is often part of treating diabetes. In addition to making healthy food and beverage choices, getting physical activity, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, along with taking medicine can help you manage the disease. Some other treatment options are also available.” Find out more treatment options here!
Changing your lifestyle is crucial to preventing diabetes and even controlling an onset case. Here are some ways you can avoid a future of diabetes and complications.
1. Be more active!
2. Eat healthy foods, including healthy fats
3. Weight management
4. Stop smoking and drinking
5. Increasing water intake
6. Live healthier with this Harvard guide
Abarca stands committed to raising awareness on diabetes among our community by spreading the word on the management, care, prevention, and education of the disease. For more information, please visit the American Diabetes Association.
About Abarca
At Abarca, we believe in an Unstoppable Drive for a Better Way. Our commitment to making healthcare seamless and personalized for all drives us to innovate in AI, drug trend management, and predictive analytics. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we deliver PBM like no one else: better patient outcomes and a revolutionary healthcare experience. Join us in shaping the future at the intersection of technology and care.