Diabetes remains one of the major health challenges in the European Region, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of a continuous rise in cases and insufficient access to treatment.

According to WHO, more than 85 million people in Europe are living with diabetes, while millions of others remain undiagnosed or do not receive adequate healthcare. In some countries, only one in three patients receives the treatment they need.

This situation means that many cases are detected late, when the disease has already caused serious complications such as blindness, heart attacks, strokes, or permanent disability.

In Albania, according to reported data, a significant proportion of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, when diabetes has already progressed considerably. The prevalence of the disease in the country is estimated at around 10.6%, one of the highest rates in the region.

To address this situation, WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation have launched a project in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, focusing on strengthening primary healthcare, improving patient education, and enhancing disease monitoring.

The initiative also aims to prevent complications through better blood sugar and blood pressure control, as well as regular eye and foot examinations.

Experts emphasize that investing in diabetes management not only benefits patients but also reduces healthcare costs by lowering hospital admissions and preventing long-term complications.