29
Jan

Session 1: Fueling Health Systems Transformation through Early Screening and Data-driven Integrated Management for Diabetes

The escalating global prevalence of non-communicable diseases presents significant challenges to health systems striving to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Among these, diabetes, notably increases the risk of mortality from cardiovascular, renal, and cancer-related complications by 1.3 to 3-fold. Ranked 8th among all conditions contributing to Disability-Adjusted Life Years, diabetes necessitates early detection and effective management to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Recognising the need for comprehensive screening and intervention model at the primary care level, a pilot project was initiated under the support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to develop a risk-stratified precision prevention and care model utilising biogenetic markers and big data algorithms. This initiative complements a web-based Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Programme which uses integrated technology to provide structured comprehensive diabetes screening and assessment, support continuous data collection and analysis, promote evidence-based decision-making to enhance patient outcomes. The community-based risk-stratified precision prevention model will identify high risk individuals for multicomponent intervention to reduce the occurrence and progression towards diabetes and its complications.

Technological innovations offer viable solutions to enhance diabetes care. Data-driven technology has transformed Hong Kong’s healthcare system by strengthening primary health and optimising health resource allocations which is necessary for achieving Universal Health Coverage. Given the potential for broad applicability and lessons learned, innovative solutions can be harnessed to tackle pressing health challenges across the region.

Session 2: Transforming Diabetes Care: The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Wearable Devices in the Western Pacific Region

Approximately 537 million adults globally are living with diabetes, a figure projected to surge by 46% to 783 million by 2045. The alarming trend underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies. The integration of AI and digital health technologies, such as CGM and wearable IoTs devices is revolutionising diabetes care through two major paradigm shifts.

1.Transforming Glucose Monitoring Practice: CGM changes the way glucose levels are being monitored by providing continuous and real-time data. It introduces the TIR metric, offering a more comprehensive assessment of glycaemic control compared to intermittent monitoring methods. It also facilitates prompt actions to correct abnormal glucose.

2.Utilisation of Big Data and AI Analytics: The vast data generated by CGM devices is analysed with big data and AI algorithms, potentially uncovering insights into how factors like diet, physical activity, emotions, medications, sleep patterns and rest periods affect glucose levels. It enables personalised and proactive diabetes management.

Self-management is the cornerstone in diabetes management. These technological applications provide insights on how to use personalized data to empower behavioral change and personalize treatment aimed at preventing complications and improving quality of life, forging a new path towards Universal Health Coverage.