Diabetes is progressing silently in Belgium. Nearly 10% of the population is currently affected by type 2 diabetes, and a third of these patients are still unaware of their condition. Faced with this worrying reality, INAMI launched a national campaign on November 18, resolutely focused on information and prevention. Its slogan: “We can’t control everything… but diabetes, YES”.
The campaign highlights a range of adapted and reimbursed care, often unknown to both the general public and healthcare professionals. Rapid and appropriate care can transform the lives of diabetic patients, provided that this care is identified and accessible from the moment of diagnosis.
The objective is twofold: to raise awareness among people at risk and to encourage patients to consult their general practitioner for early, multidisciplinary follow-up.
A “Startup Journey” for immediate support
At the heart of this initiative is the “Startup Journey”, a program launched at the start of 2024. This system allows each newly diagnosed patient to benefit from personalized support from the early stages of the disease. Reimbursements cover in particular dietary consultations, diabetes education sessions and specific care such as podiatry or dentistry. From January 1 to August 31, 115,639 patients began such a care pathway.
This route complements the systems already in place for patients at more advanced stages, treated via a Care Route or in specialized centers.
A disease with many faces
The campaign is aimed at several audiences: the general public, new patients, but also caregivers. It aims to inform and clarify reimbursement methods to improve coordination between the different healthcare providers.
A call to mobilization
In addition to messages broadcast on social networks, INAMI provides a communication kit intended for professionals: posters, banners and digital media for use in medical practices and pharmacies. This collective mobilization is essential to fight diabetes and reduce its impact on patients’ quality of life.
> More information on the INAMI website
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