As a physician, I find it essential to emphasize the importance of World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14th, as a crucial moment to reflect on a condition that represents one of the greatest challenges for contemporary healthcare systems. In the Canary Islands, more than 170,000 people live with diabetes, a condition that, due to its chronic and multifactorial nature, requires integrated interventions addressing both clinical and social aspects.
Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia caused by an absolute or relative insulin deficiency. This condition is associated with significant macrovascular and microvascular complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, which severely impact patients' quality of life. The main risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, advanced age, and genetic predisposition. However, it is well-known that its onset can be significantly delayed or even prevented through lifestyle interventions, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
This year’s campaign, promoted under the theme "Diabetes and Well-Being," has highlighted three essential dimensions for managing the disease: physical, social, and psychological well-being. In the Canary Islands, the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) and the Federation of Diabetes Associations of the Canary Islands (FADICAN) have organized various community initiatives, such as healthy cooking workshops, physical education sessions, diagnostic screenings, and educational events to raise awareness about the importance of primary prevention and early diagnosis. These activities have demonstrated that a multidisciplinary strategy is indispensable for effectively addressing a condition that transcends the strictly clinical realm, impacting the social and economic fabric as well.
From a preventive perspective, it has been reiterated that monitoring risk factors and adopting healthy behaviors early on are essential to counteract the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes. In particular, health education plays a crucial role, especially among younger age groups, where targeted prevention programs can make a significant difference. At the same time, the importance of regular medical check-ups for at-risk individuals has been emphasized, as timely diagnosis not only slows disease progression but also prevents irreversible complications through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
The activities carried out for World Diabetes Day have shown that the synergy between healthcare institutions, patient associations, and civil society is a vital element in addressing a condition that is not only clinical but also social. The integration of health, educational, and preventive policies represents the main pathway to reducing the impact of diabetes in terms of both prevalence and associated complications.
It is therefore imperative to continue pursuing comprehensive and personalized strategies that encompass educational approaches and the implementation of advanced care pathways. As a healthcare professional, I emphasize the importance of a holistic approach that considers not only the metabolic aspects of the disease but also its psychological and social impact. The fight against diabetes is, ultimately, a shared responsibility: it requires active patient participation, the support of healthcare institutions, and a social environment that promotes well-being.
World Diabetes Day reminds us that, when addressed with a multidimensional approach, this disease can be successfully managed and controlled. The goal, now more than ever, must be to ensure a long, productive, and fulfilling life for people with diabetes, focusing on therapeutic innovation, prevention, and the promotion of overall well-being.