Diabetes in South-East Asia: WHO South-East Asia Officer-in-Charge Dr Catharina Boehme urged governments, health systems and communities to adopt equitable, age-responsive strategies for diabetes prevention, diagnosis and management, warning that the region now accounts for more than 279 million adults with the disease, roughly one-third of the global burden.
“Only one in three adults with diabetes receives treatment across our region, and less than 15% have adequate blood-glucose control,” Boehme said, stressing that poorly managed diabetes can lead to life-threatening damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes.
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Boehme outlined tailored needs across the life course: timely, customised support for children with type 1 diabetes at home and school; careful pregnancy management to protect mother and baby; and sustained education and assistance for older adults to reduce complications.
While type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, the risk of type 2 can be lowered through physical activity, balanced diets, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. For those already diagnosed, medications alongside lifestyle changes help prevent complications.
She cited recent regional actions: in 2023, member states adopted SEAHEARTS to expand diabetes coverage and control via the WHO HEARTS package in primary care; in 2024, the Colombo Call for Action set practical steps to cut risk and ensure access to quality treatment, including affordable insulin and self-monitoring devices under national coverage schemes.
Most member states now use evidence-based, drug- and dose-specific protocols and provide at least one hypoglycaemic medicine at the facility level. “More than 33 million people with diabetes have been placed on protocol-based management in public health facilities throughout the region,” Boehme said.
