"Diabetes is a widespread disease and it is time for politicians to live up to their own standards. Prevention must be further strengthened and the situation of sufferers improved at the same time," demands VDGH Managing Director Dr. Martin Walger.
The "National Education and Communication Strategy on Diabetes Mellitus" of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) is a good first step, but this can only be the beginning. In particular, Walger criticizes the fact that a medical check-up for the early detection of diabetes is only scheduled once between the ages of 18 and 34. However, early detection is of crucial importance in order to effectively prevent the disease and its consequences. With laboratory tests, the diagnosis can be made early and reliably, as those affected often live with undiagnosed diabetes for years.
As part of therapy, glucose self-measurement is an essential component of effective treatment. With the opportunities offered by digitalization in particular, new services will emerge to make the disease manageable for patients.
To support early detection, the VDGH operates the internet portal vorsorge-online.de. Among other things, an information flyer on the widespread disease diabetes can be ordered or downloaded here.
