More than 30,000 residents of Odessa have been diagnosed with diabetes. Among them, nearly 5,000 patients require insulin therapy, including over 400 children.
This information was shared by Levon Nigoyosyan, the Director of the Health Department of the Odessa City Council, during a briefing held on November 13, 2024, ahead of World Diabetes Day.
All diabetes patients have access to necessary medications through the "Affordable Medicines" program. The state provides full or partial reimbursement for 63 types of insulin, 55 oral medications for type II diabetes, and 4 drugs for diabetes insipidus, as well as 45 medical devices for monitoring blood glucose levels.
Medications under the "Affordable Medicines" program can be obtained for free or with a small co-payment via electronic prescriptions.
For patients with type I insulin-dependent diabetes, the initial treatment plan is developed by an endocrinologist.
Subsequently, the family doctor with whom the patient has an agreement can prescribe insulin.
The family doctor also prescribes oral medication for type II diabetes patients.
To enhance awareness among residents regarding diabetes prevention and early detection, the Health Department of the Odessa City Council regularly conducts free preventive campaigns.
In 2024, over 5,000 residents underwent screenings for early detection of diabetes, with approximately 8% showing elevated blood glucose levels for the first time.
Excess body weight is one of the leading risk factors for developing diabetes. This year, screening for excessive weight was conducted during preventive campaigns for 4,000 patients, of which nearly 800 were diagnosed with obesity. Screening was also performed for around 800 children, with over 100 having a body mass index above the normal range.
