R. Kurashvili
the chairman of the Georgian Union of Diabetes and Endocrine Associations
Twinning: Georgia was one of the first countries, which together with its Twinning Partner Israeli Diabetes Association started a Program “Diabetes in Pregnancy”. The program is still in process and gives very positive results. More and more Maternity Homes are involved in the program.
A new large-scale, long-term twinning program with Association the Yonne Diabetes ( Bourgounge , France ) is planned and will be initiated in the nearest future.
Today there is around 1200 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and around 300 000 grown-ups with type 2 DM in Georgia . Though this number seems to be much higher. Approximately 600 of children are aged 0-18 years. The exighing Soviet and post-Soviet ideology left all these people nearly in a hopeless situation. To support all people with DM and defend their rights first NGO's – GDF and DChPA, were found. The NGOs were founded as there was the urgent need of insulins for life, primarily and then, for implementation of strict glycemic control (meters and strips for each child) and for social and psychological rehabilitation of children and adolescents with T1DM - the NGOs were founded to protect all people with DM in Georgia and to fight for their rights.
Co-operation with the State: Since 1995, according to the decision of the Health Ministry of Georgia the first State program Diabetes in Children is carried out. Due to the program all children and adolescents up to the age of 18 receive free of charge Novo Nordisk penfill insulins since 1990, and since 1995 – they have latest models of glucometers. HbA1c is measured 4-times a year and regular annual examinations (eyes, liver, kidney, etc.) are performed for all the members also free of charge. Since 2000 due to the joint efforts of the GDF, Parliament and Health Ministry all people with DM receive insulins (Novo Nordisk HM insulins - Actrapid and Insulatard) in amounts needed.
Diabetes and legislation: With the support of the DM lobbying group of the Parliament 2 packages of draft laws against discrimination of people with DM (labor, public education, public health laws and laws restricting advertisements) were prepared and ratified by Georgian Parliament, besides, today insulins, oral agents, glucometers, strips and syringes, and other diabetes products imported or produced in Georgia are tax-free.
Education: Since 1987 Patient Therapeutic Education is carried out and several programs have been fulfilled. Besides, since 1995 several Diabetes Education School for children and adolescents with DM are functioning in Georgia and since 2002 a postgraduate training course (Continuing Medical Education) for physicians is carried out.
Besides, the Georgian Union of Diabetes and Endocrine Associations – (the name was changed in 2003, as people with other Endocrine pathologies, such as thyroid, and others, stay without support they urge for) takes steps to provide safety for the people with the disorders – fight against fake drugs, false therapeutic approaches, etc.
Education of the Society, in general, GPs, endocrinologists, people with DM, their careers, etc. – is the utmostly important activity, for this, the GUDEAS carries out:
• Patient therapeutic education
• CME for GPs, endocrinologists
• Courses at medical universities and Nurse-colleges
• Publishes information for patients, GPs, endocrinologists (booklets, info-letters)
• Translates IDF, IDF-EU, EASD information (Consensuses, Teaching Letters, Basics, etc.)
• Publishes the magazine “Diabeti da Janmrteloba” (“Diabetes and Health”)
• Participates in and organizes lectures, workshops, symposia
• Has permanent contacts with mass media – TV, radio, newspapers, etc.
The GUDEAS, together with new parliament of Georgia, the strong DM lobbying group, its Health Committee, Public Health Ministry and other NGOs are actively involved in improving diabetes care in Georgia, increasing quality of life and protecting rights of all people with DM and other endocrine diseases in Georgia .
