Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in developed and industrialised nations owing to sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle. Diabetes accounts for over 5 million deaths around the globe annually (Bhutani & Bhutani S. 2014). Diabetes can be controlled and complications arising due to diabetes can be prevented or controlled; however, due to the lack of awareness and education, most people suffer from chronic complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hypertension. Based on current evidence, early detection and control is a recommended intervention in reducing the morbidity and mortality of the disease. There has been significant advancements in technologies with respect to diabetes diagnosis, control, and management. Most patients with diabetes ignore the early signs and symptoms of the disease which causes complications at later stages. Due to the alarming rate of diabetes complications and increasing health costs, I have opted to choose diabetes screening. Diabetes screening can be communicated through social media, campaigns, and events (Bhutani & Bhutani S. 2014)
The impact of early screening of diabetes will have a significant impact on the mortality and morbidity on a large scale. The youth are considered to drive the economy in the next 10 to 15 years. It is important for early detection of a disease that has considerable economic burden on the country. Early screening would reduce the number of early stage type 2 diabetes cases (Grey, Schreiner, & Pyle. 2009). In asymptomatic patients, early screening would help in early diagnosis and management of diabetes. This would prevent health complications and prevent unnecessary or preventable medical interventions. Since screening helps in reducing the number of health complications, it would have a proportional impact on the health costs associated with diabetes. Complications such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dyslipidaemia would be prevented with the help of early screening (Grey, Schreiner, & Pyle. 2009). It is estimated that early stage screening would reducing healthcare costs by 50% by 2030 and reduce the mortality by 75%. However, the implementation of a large scale awareness is needed (Grey, Schreiner, & Pyle. 2009).
The early stage screening would take place at schools, colleges, universities, community centres, health care centres, and youth social events. Since most youth are considered to develop and adapt to what is taught in school/university, it would be ideal to have a campaign there itself. Short 30 minute video clips or a diabetes-themed dram can be enacted to communicate the importance of screening among youth (Grey, Schreiner, & Pyle. 2009). The community hall can be kept for large scale awareness campaigns. The community hall can have early screening kits on display in order to attract the youth (Pippitt, Li, & Gurgle. 2016).Stalls and booths highlighting screening material such as brochures, leaflets, and posters would help in large scale communication (Pippitt, Li, & Gurgle. 2016).
The cost associated with screening is high in most healthcare centres and hospitals. However, the educational screening campaign would have subsidized rates for the youth. A full body evaluation (for diabetes only) would cost $20. A risk factor and mortality calculator would cost $25 for youth below 18 years and $30 for youth up to 25 years. The money generated from the event would be used for the treatment and management of the poor.
References
Bhutani J & Bhutani S. (2014). Worldwide burden of diabetes. Indian J Endocrinol Metab.
2014 Nov;18(6):868-70.
Grey M, Schreiner B, Pyle L (2009). Development of a diabetes education program for youth
with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Educ. 2009 Jan-Feb;35(1):108-16.
Pippitt K, Li M, Gurgle HE. (2016). Diabetes Mellitus: Screening and Diagnosis. Am Fam
Physician. 2016 Jan 15;93(2):103-9.
Reinehr T. (2010). Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. World J Diabetes.
2013 Dec 15;4(6):270-81.
