Among the diseases on the rise as diabetes is a chronic disease spreading in the wider world: in 2025 it is expected, in the age between 20 and 79 years, an increase of 24% with involvement of 333 million people. The diabetes is a disease that is characterized by an increased concentration of glucose in the blood. The concentration of glucose is normally regulated by ‘insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When this hormone is deficient or missing altogether problems occur on the levels of glucose.

However, when the pancreas does not produce any insulin or produces too little is spoken of type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, whereas in type 2 diabetes (typical of people of more mature age), insulin is produced in the right quantity, but at a slower pace and is not active on the cells of blood glucose.

Diabetes type 1 is certainly the one that involves a greater involvement of the patient and his family because there is the need for daily insulin. And therefore required an active collaboration between practitioner and diabetes specialist, a good information the patient should be instructed on the control of blood glucose levels, to take on lifestyle and nutrition. At least in theory.

In Cittadinanzattiva Ratio (with support from the Lilly Foundation and the help of Fand-Diabetic Association) for assistance to patients with diabetes, the picture that emerges is an entirely ‘other than reassuring (“You have diabetes? Expect to get worse. Or found the money to do proper prevention ‘), is the bitter summary of the association. Little integration between diabetes centers and general practitioners, contradictory messages received by patients, little innovation, poor prevention of complications.

The aid to better manage their disease in 80% of cases is completely dependent on the patient and his family. The main items of expenditure reported relative to transport (42%), the specialist visits (40%), drugs (34%) and principals and aids (17%).

What to do? Area Rights customized treatment on quality and complaints, prevention, medical integration between figures spreading more and more computerized medical records for the choice of a path of joint care, information and prevention of complications such as retinopathy (38%), the risks associated with pregnancy, such interventions dental, vaccination and depressions.