[Diabetes, psychosocial distress and quality of care]

Abstract

Diabetes is on the rise world wide; according to the latest report from the International Diabetes Federation, the number of people affected by the disease will increase by 55% from 382 in 2013 to almost 600 million in 2033. Individuals living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for depression and anxiety. Diabetes impacts on physical, emotional, social and financial aspects of life across cultures and countries, yet gaps in care exist around psychosocial and self-management education and support. The DAWN2 study provides a first multinational, multidisciplinary systematic framework for the comparison of unmet needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them in four continents. it is necessary to develop a system of patient-centered care, in which the empowerment of the person is the main instrument, and at the same time target on which to focus. Transforming study results into actions at the national level will represent one of the main activities of the DAWN2 initiative. In Italy, to do so, it is not enough write new documents but new resources are required.