Lack of Knowledge About Diabetes Strikes Patients in Belgium, New Awareness Campaign Launched

There is a deep lack of knowledge and misunderstandings about diabetes among patients and the general public in Belgium. This situation negatively affects patients' daily lives and creates psychological pressure. Patients with type 1 diabetes, like Charles, who was nicknamed 'Sugar Daddy' as a child and was thought to have fallen ill because of the sugar he ate, struggle with social prejudices. A new campaign initiated by Louvain University Hospital aims to break these stereotypes and raise awareness in society about the daily realities of patients. While studies show that 7.6% of the population in Belgium lives with diabetes, public knowledge about the nature and symptoms of the disease is insufficient.

It is stated that patients have to leave behind periods of neglect in their daily lives and need to be in a constant state of preparation. Julie Theunissen from the Diabetes Association states that patients have to plan their insulin and materials in advance when going for walks or parties, and that the disease creates a spiritual burden. Fabrice, who has been living with the disease since childhood, emphasizes that it is wrong for people to think that diabetics cannot consume sugar at all, and that such comments put patients in a difficult situation in social settings. Although some people state that they know a diabetic patient, the knowledge accumulation regarding the details of the disease and lifestyle requirements unfortunately remains superficial.

One of the biggest consequences of the lack of knowledge is the delay in diagnosis. According to Sciensano's data, one-third of diabetes patients are unaware of their disease. When not diagnosed early and untreated, diabetes can lead to very serious and severe complications such as vision loss, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and nerve damage. The campaign aims to remind symptoms that are often overlooked but become quite evident when the disease starts. Although most people know about excessive thirst and fatigue, they do not have enough information that weight loss or numbness can also be signs.

Professor Ann Mertens, Head of the Endocrinology Department at UZ Leuven, argues that it is not enough to just know the symptoms, but also to draw attention to the risk factors that trigger type 2 diabetes. Noting that factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, weight gain, and a sedentary life facilitate the emergence of the disease, Mertens states that family physicians have a responsibility to warn patients in this regard. Emphasizing that the number of new patients can be reduced if action is taken early, Professor Mertens notes that measures should be taken without waiting for symptoms, as low socio-economic groups are at higher risk but experience more difficulties in accessing health services.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in Belgium, affecting approximately 8% of the population; however, a significant portion of these are unaware of their disease. Unawareness has a serious impact not only in the stages of prevention and diagnosis of the disease but also on the quality of life of diagnosed patients and the perception in society. Surveys and observations reveal a great need for awareness both medically and socially.