Diabetes India 2017 endorses philosophy and aims of ‘The Berlin Declaration’

Experts convene to discuss the importance of early action in diabetes management at the inaugural session of the 7th World Congress of Diabetes in New Delhi

The inaugural session of the 7th World Congress of Diabetes, i.e., Diabetes India 2017, endorsed the philosophy and aims of the Berlin Declaration. Berlin Declaration is a multinational call for local policy change to urge early action in the control and management of type II diabetes. Experts at Diabetes India 2017 conference held in New Delhi released a position statement endorsing the Berlin Declaration and urging policy makers to take early action across four primary areas viz. prevention, early detection, early control and early access for the right intervention.

The Berlin Declaration, a global call to action urging policy makers to reduce the growing burden of type II diabetes was launched by diabetes experts representing 38 countries in 2016 under the ‘Early action in diabetes’ initiative. The ‘Early Action in Diabetes’ initiative started in 2015 is a multinational, multi-stakeholder collaboration in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE) and the World Heart Federation (WHF), supported by AstraZeneca. Experts evaluated the best practices in policy making in four primary areas viz, prevention, early detection, early control and early access for the right intervention. This was consolidated into a single document, signing what is known as the Berlin Declaration in December 2016.

Dr Banshi Saboo, Congress Chairman – Diabetes India said, “Effective policy actions as early as possible is an urgent need to address the growing burden of diabetes in our country. Through this platform, we are bringing diverse stakeholders together to exchange innovative thoughts and ideas on how we can do this.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ashok Kumar Das, Professor of Medicine and Professor and Head of Endocrinology, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, said, “The government has made pioneering efforts towards diabetes care in India and has received its due importance in national programmes. However, there is need for further strengthening of the programmes and implementation in all states and union territories. Adequate prevention and control cannot be achieved without the help of trainer manpower. Early access can be facilitated by training atleast 10 per cent healthcare professionals at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, every year. Regular audits can ensure availability of availability of manpower, diagnostic and therapeutic tools at all levels of the healthcare system.”

Present at the conference, Dr Sanjay Kalra, Bharti Research Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, stated, “The Indian Asian phenotype is marked by a propensity towards insulin resistance, central obesity, and the early development of complications, further urging early addressal. The four pillars of early action – prevention, early detection, early control and early access for the right intervention are firmly rooted in the evidence base on what is most valuable in reducing the economic, societal and personal burden of type II diabetes. Our pragmatic vision is to achieve 10 per cent per annum rise in the number of people who are tested for glycemic control, and who achieve their goals.”