The rate of diabetes is rising at an alarming pace. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes in 2021, which amounts to 1 in 10 adults. This number is projected to rise to 783 million by 2045, indicating that 1 in 8 adults will be living with diabetes. The global direct health expenditure on diabetes was estimated at $966 billion in 2021, reflecting a 316% increase over the last 15 years.

The burden of diabetes is particularly severe in Asia, home to over half of the people living with diabetes. Countries like China and India lead the number of individuals affected, contributing significantly to global statistics. In Singapore, the situation is equally alarming, with nearly 1 in 9 adults diagnosed with diabetes. Projections suggest that by 2050, the number of residents living with diabetes in Singapore will grow to 1 million.  These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective diabetes management and educational initiatives to combat this escalating epidemic and improve patient outcomes.

For instance, at Embecta Corp., a diabetes care company with a 100-year legacy in insulin delivery, we have launched emERGE, a regional educational initiative. The emERGE program aims to address the gaps in diabetes knowledge and skills among primary care practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists across Asia. This initiative is intended to support the decentralization of care, improve care delivery, and reduce the diabetes burden. It aligns with the evolving public health policy, seeking to make an overall impact on the health and wellness of our communities by reducing direct and indirect costs.

The program provides a comprehensive curriculum specially curated for primary care health professionals. It includes interactive webinars delivered by senior experts in diabetes, covering a range of topics from diagnosis to treatment strategies and use of health technology. The program focuses on providing relevant, up-to-date, and non-promotional scientific course content. It is rolled out across 11 countries in Asia, offering on-demand video modules for flexible learning. It will also provide classroom case-based learning opportunities as well as vernacular language options to make it relevant for primary care. This initiative underscores embecta's unwavering commitment to improving diabetes care through enhancing education in collaboration with leading diabetes associations.

The emERGE program's unique value proposition is the quality of its content and ease of participation in a purely scientific and non-product promotional nature, ensuring that the content is objective and focused on best practices in diabetes management. Each session includes case studies and practical insights, enabling healthcare professionals to apply their learnings in their routine clinical care. By providing continuous education and support, the emERGE program helps healthcare professionals stay updated with the latest developments in diabetes care that may improve patient outcomes.

The emERGE initiative was officially launched on April 13, 2024 in Singapore. The launch ceremony set the stage for the emERGE initiative by bringing together key stakeholders and fostering collaboration across different sectors. The involvement of government representative, healthcare practitioners, healthcare organizations, and industry partners underscored the collective effort required to address the diabetes epidemic in Asia.

Guest-of-Honour and Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Low Yen Ling, shared that the challenges faced by Singaporeans, the healthcare system, and the economy due to diabetes are an urgent call to action, and highlighted the critical need for comprehensive strategies focused on prevention, management, and education to alleviate the far-reaching impact of diabetes.

“embecta’s heritage is built on a century of innovation and dedication to the diabetes community, and we are committed to continuing this legacy by addressing the needs of today and anticipating the challenges of tomorrow,” said Mr James Chiang, VP and General Manager, Asia, for embecta. “As we proceed with emERGE, we not only aim to educate but also to inspire and empower. The programme is a call to action for all stakeholders in the diabetes community to collaborate, share insights, and apply knowledge to transform the lives of those affected by diabetes.”

Moving forward, the ongoing collaboration among these stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of the diabetes care and patient outcomes across the region.

On completing 100 years of providing innovative solutions to people with diabetes, previously as BD Diabetes Care, embecta has also released a book with "100 Simple and Practical Tips" to empower people living with diabetes. These tips provide actionable and practical steps to enhance daily diabetes care and management. The book includes different sections that are important in the patient journey including injection techniques, diet, exercise, and travel. It also includes specific tips for different phases of life, such as managing diabetes at work and school, and during pregnancy.

By covering these diverse aspects of diabetes management, the book empowers people living with diabetes to live lives that are not limited by diabetes. It serves as a valuable resource for people at all stages of their diabetes journey, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their health and well-being.

In Conclusion, the emERGE initiative, through its comprehensive educational program and the "100 Simple and Practical Tips" book, aims to significantly enhance diabetes management and patient outcomes across Asia. By offering unbranded, non-promotional education and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, embecta is committed to supporting healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes. This initiative not only addresses the current gaps in diabetes care but also provides a sustainable framework for continuous improvement and innovation in diabetes management.