On November 14, 2026, the Tunisian Ministry of Health announced the launch of a national register for patients with type 1 diabetes, a significant step towards addressing the growing prevalence of the disease in the country. The register was launched during a congress organized by the Tunisian Society of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolic Diseases (Stediam) in collaboration with the Tunisian Society of Pediatrics (STP). The event brought together specialists in pediatrics and endocrinology to discuss the current state of type 1 diabetes in Tunisia.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of diabetes among Tunisian adults aged 15 and above is estimated to be between 15.5% and 16%, representing approximately 1.4 million people. However, some estimates suggest that the prevalence could be higher, reaching 18% to 23% in certain age groups. Moreover, it is estimated that around 1,340 children in Tunisia suffer from type 1 diabetes, with nearly 250 new cases diagnosed every year. The lack of accurate and comprehensive data on the disease has been a significant challenge for healthcare professionals.
The national register is expected to provide a reliable database for policymakers and healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions and improve patient care. Dr. Fatma Mnif, head of the endocrinology and diabetology department at the Sfax Military Hospital and representative of Stediam, emphasized that the absence of precise statistics on type 1 diabetes patients has been a major obstacle. The register will enable healthcare professionals to measure the prevalence of the disease, identify the most affected age groups, and monitor health complications.
The launch of the register is a significant step towards addressing the daily challenges faced by children with type 1 diabetes and their families. Dr. Sana Kmiha, representative of the Tunisian Society of Pediatrics, highlighted the difficulties faced by children with type 1 diabetes, including repeated injections, constant blood glucose monitoring, and psychological pressure. Dr. Kmiha emphasized that managing the disease requires not only medication but also health education and comprehensive support for the child and their family.
The national register is part of a broader initiative to improve the lives of patients with type 1 diabetes. Balz Hersberger, representative of Novo Nordisk in Tunisia, revealed that the "Changing Diabetes in Children" (CDiC) program was launched in Tunisia in November 2022, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and social parties. The program targets children and young people aged 0-25 with type 1 diabetes, focusing on therapeutic education, device provision, and continuous patient support.
The program aims to improve the quality of life for patients with type 1 diabetes by providing access to the latest therapeutic technologies, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Dr. Olfa Bouyahia, a university professor and pediatrician, emphasized that the project aims to improve the lives of patients under 25 through continuous support, treatment protocols, and lifestyle optimization.
The launch of the national register and the CDiC program demonstrate a commitment to addressing the growing prevalence of type 1 diabetes in Tunisia. By providing accurate data and comprehensive support, healthcare professionals and policymakers aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of patients with type 1 diabetes in Tunisia.
Key points
- The national register will provide a reliable database for policymakers and healthcare professionals to develop targeted interventions and improve patient care.
