On November 14th, the Communications Task Group of TC 314 on Ageing Societies, will hold its next meeting to plan and coordinate activities to raise awareness about standardization for ageing societies. This day is also recognized as World Diabetes Day. This date was chosen since it marked Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday. Dr. Banting, a Canadian, discovered insulin in 1921 which provided a lifesaving treatment for diabetes. This day also provides an opportunity to look at the serious economic and social implications that diabetes presents for ageing societies.
What is the issue?
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 19.3% of people aged 65-99 years live with diabetes (135.6 million) and that the number of older adults with diabetes will reach 195.2 million by 2030 [1]. Countries with the highest number of older adults with diabetes are China, United States, and India. The burden of diabetes for older adults includes cardiovascular disease, risks of other complications, loss of cognitive functions and mobility and dependency. In addition, individuals and health systems spend huge amounts of money on treatment and medication for diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of persons living with diabetes is rising most rapidly in low and middle-income countries where the challenges to providing treatment are the greatest. The WHO is calling for a global response in areas of monitoring, prevention, and treatment of diabetes. [2]
Impact of Pandemic and Other Emergencies
Early data shows that COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms and complications in some people living with diabetes, particularly older adults, and those with other chronic health conditions. Also, older persons living with diabetes have experienced difficulty accessing treatment they need due to disruptions to essential health services. When disasters strike, persons with diabetes are at particular risk when access to medications and health care are affected.
Can Standardization Play a Role?
Many of the standards being developed by ISO/TC 314 recognize the challenges of chronic disease in older adults and can help to provide health and community planning tools to reduce diabetes-related health problems. These include new standards on age inclusive workplaces, community well-being, smart multi-generational neighbourhoods and dementia-friendly communities. (See ISO 25550, ISO 25552, ISO 25553, ISO 25554). For example, ISO 25550 provides guidance on workplace health promotion, and the importance of flexibility in workplace practices to accommodate workers with chronic disease. Plus ISO TR 25555, currently under development, will outline accessibility and usability considerations for home-based healthcare products, related services, and environments. Older adults, including persons with diabetes and disabilities are primary users of these products and services.
Diabetes is one of the biggest health issues in the world and thanks to Dr. Banting, we do have a treatment that has saved millions of lives, but there is still much work to be done in monitoring, prevention, and treatment of this chronic disease.
[1] Alan Sinclair et al, Diabetes and global ageing among 65-99-year-old adults: Findings from the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, 9th edition.
[2] World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day