WS 15 - Diabetes, Metabolism & Obesity

In 2015 it was estimated that globally 415 million adults have diabetes, by 2040 this number will rise to 642 million. 1 in 2 people with diabetes are undiagnosed. But Diabetes is not only a burden for patients it is becoming a major burden for healthcare systems.
The increased number of diabetic patients coincides with changes in lifestyle factors (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress) overlaid on underlying predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms (genes, epigenetics, beta cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, inflammation). Looking closer at one of the risk-factors, Obesity, we estimate that around 224 million school-age children are overweight, making this generation the first predicted to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.

Despite the launch of innovative treatments and solutions during the last decades people are still suffering. 1 out of 2 is not on target. Human and financial resources are needed to cover the needs for information, support and complications.

To either prevent people to become diabetics or to help people with already established diabetes to live full, healthy lives comprehensive solutions have to be developed which combine devices, software, medicine, and professional care. A multi-stakeholder approach is needed.

The workshop discusses the outlook into the future, opportunities we see, best practices we know, and actions we need to take to make it happen.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare together!