Diabetes in Poland: Why are modern prevention and technology our only chance?

Type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases pose not only a health challenge but also an economic one. Experts from the Polish Diabetes Association warn: patient medical data, prevention, and modern therapies are key in combating this 21st-century epidemic.

Dr. Anna Kowalczuk reminds us that thanks to Article 48a of the Reimbursement Act, local government units can obtain funds for diabetes education and prevention . "The more data from medical procedures and drug use that reaches the appropriate institutions, the greater the chances of disseminating effective therapies," she notes.

Patient organizations will soon launch an educational campaign on the informed sharing of medical data. It is precisely the patient's informed consent and willingness to cooperate with the healthcare system that can accelerate the introduction of new reimbursements.

Although access to modern medications, such as flozins, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have significantly improved the quality of life of patients, experts still point to the need for strong prevention.

Prof. Przemysław Gumprecht reminds us: " Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of dialysis, amputations, vision loss, and many other complications. The key is intervention at the prediabetes stage – by combating obesity and overweight."

Research conducted by the Polish Diabetes Association shows that over 20% of patients without a CGM system were covered by the reimbursement after completing the survey, and 17% required an urgent diabetes consultation . This demonstrates how many patients live in ignorance and fail to monitor their blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis, exposing themselves to complications.

MP Ewa Kołodziej, chairwoman of the parliamentary group on diabetes, reiterated the need for full reimbursement of personal insulin pumps for patients over the age of 26 , consistent with European standards. She also emphasized the need to integrate insulin pumps with CGM and make them accessible to all patients .

"We are approaching a wave of obesity, followed by a wave of type 2 diabetes. We must act now, educate, implement technologies and ensure equal access to healthcare services," added Kołodziej.

The growing number of counterfeit CGM systems on the market poses a significant challenge for doctors and policymakers. Professor Gumprecht and Professor Szadkowska emphasize that only devices with proven therapeutic effectiveness should be reimbursed. "Europe still lacks the rigorous requirements that exist in the US, for example," says Professor Szadkowska.

EU regulations are coming to the rescue. The MDR (Medical Device Regulation 2017/745), which is gradually coming into force, aims to rid the market of uncertified medical devices . "In 2-3 years, all CGM systems available in Europe will have to meet high quality and safety standards," assures Ewa Warmińska-Friberg of Technomed.

Patients contact the Office of the Patient Ombudsman with requests for increased access to reimbursed devices and shorter wait times for diabetologists. Diabetes educators and dietitians also play a crucial role in this system. "Our particular concern as the Office of the Patient Ombudsman is the use of unproven treatments, addressing unfair advertising and false information online," said Marzanna Bieńkowska, Deputy Director of the Department of Cooperation at the Office of the Patient Ombudsman. She also emphasized the crucial educational role of patient organizations, thanking them for their openness and long-standing cooperation.