Many sufferers - high costs due to secondary diseases
More than 8.5 million people in Germany have diabetes. There are 600,000 new cases every year. Experts also estimate that up to two million sufferers have already developed the disease but have not yet been diagnosed. Until the first diagnosis is made, those affected sometimes live with undetected diabetes for years. As a chronic disease, it generates high costs for our healthcare system, particularly due to diabetes-related complications and secondary diseases. Reducing the risk of the disease, detecting it early and optimizing treatment are therefore the most important goals of any national diabetes strategy. This involves optimizing patient care and the efficient use of resources at the same time.
Early detection with laboratory
Early detection of diabetes mellitus and its preliminary stages can be carried out safely and at low cost using laboratory tests. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to take countermeasures through health-conscious behavior and the more effective existing treatment options are. However, the statutory early detection of diabetes is incomplete.
Self-measurement as an indispensable part of therapy
Systems for self-measurement of glucose/blood sugar provide patients and doctors with crucial information about their own health behavior and therapy management. Self-measurement enables people with diabetes to live well with their condition and grow old as healthily as possible. In addition to conventional test strip-based methods, sensor-based technologies for high-frequency or continuous monitoring have been used for several years.
Commitment of the VDGH
The VDGH is committed to strengthening the early detection of diabetes and to creating suitable framework conditions that enable the rapid market launch of new and safe diagnostic technologies. The VDGH is committed to ensuring that digital support options actually reach people with diabetes. In particular, the use of digital health applications (DiGA) can effectively support diabetes self-management and make everyday life easier for patients.