Diabetes, seven out of 10 workers live with the disease
In Italy, more than 4 million people live with diabetes, often of working age, and in order to better manage a condition that, with information and awareness, can be kept under control, Il Sole 24 Ore launches the guide 'Vivere bene con il diabete' (Living well with diabetes)
In Italy, almost four million people live with diabetes and another two million may have an undiagnosed form. A chronic condition that affects not only the elderly: according to the Italian Society of Diabetology (Sid), seven out of ten patients are of working age. 'Behind every number there is a person, a story, a family,' recalls Sid president Raffaella Buzzetti, who for World Diabetes Day (14 November) draws attention to the theme 'Diabetes and Work'. 'Many Italians continue to suffer discrimination and stress related to the disease. It is urgent to improve care and strengthen prevention'.
Prevention, indeed. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service has demonstrated that it can intervene effectively: the 'soups and shakes' programme, based on low-calorie nutritional substitutes, has brought one third of participants with type 2 diabetes into remission. A public health model combining controlled diet, coaching and continuous medical monitoring shows how the healthcare system can directly influence the course of the disease. Pharmacological research has also taken decisive steps. New Glp-1 receptor agonists - such as semaglutide and tirzepatide - mimic intestinal hormones, improve glycaemic control and promote weight loss, while reducing cardiovascular risk. These drugs not only lower blood sugar, but also help people live better, because they act on complications and obesity, which remains the main risk factor.
And prevention also means early diagnosis: the Paediatric Screening Law now allows early detection of type 1 diabetes, which in Italy affects one in 280 people, often children and adolescents. To explore these issues and offer readers practical tools, Il Sole 24 Ore publishes the guide "Living well with diabetes", on newsstands tomorrow. Twenty-four questions and answers, testimonials and advice to better manage a condition that, with information and awareness, can be kept under control. Because the real diabetes revolution begins with knowledge.
