Diabetes Awareness and Health Status in Odessa
In Odessa, over 30,000 individuals are diagnosed with diabetes. Among them, nearly 5,000 require insulin therapy, including over 400 children.
This information was shared by Levon Nikogosyan, the director of the Odessa City Council's Health Department, during a briefing held on November 13, 2024, prior to World Diabetes Day.
Diabetes patients can access necessary medications through the "Affordable Medicines" government program, which provides full or partial reimbursement for 63 types of insulin, 55 oral medications for type II diabetes, 4 medications for treating non-diabetic conditions, and 45 medical devices for monitoring blood glucose levels.
Medications covered by the "Affordable Medicines" program can be obtained with an electronic prescription either for free or with a minimal co-payment.
For patients with type I insulin-dependent diabetes, the initial treatment plan is developed by an endocrinologist who prescribes the necessary insulin.
Subsequently, family doctors can issue prescriptions for insulin based on the treatment plan agreed upon with the patient.
Family doctors also prescribe oral medications for patients with type II diabetes.
To raise awareness among Odessa residents regarding diabetes prevention and early detection, the Health Department regularly conducts free preventive campaigns for the population.
In 2024, over 5,000 residents underwent screenings for early detection of diabetes, with about 8% identified for the first time with elevated blood glucose levels.
One of the leading risk factors for developing diabetes is excess body weight. This year, screenings for excess weight were conducted for 4,000 individuals during preventive campaigns, revealing obesity in nearly 800 people. Approximately 800 children were also screened, with over 100 having a body mass index above normal.
