Diabetes continues to gain ground among the Panamanian population, with a higher concentration of diagnoses among women and an increase in risk factors associated with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits.
The Social Security Fund (CSS) reported that during 2025 it treated approximately 53,000 people with diabetes, of whom 6,000 had type 1 disease and the rest had type 2 diabetes or other variants.
The figures were released on the eve of World Diabetes Day, which is commemorated every November 14 to promote prevention, timely diagnosis, and access to treatments for this chronic disease.
Ángela Tulipano, head of the CSS Adult Health Program, explained that women account for the majority of diagnoses, a trend also observed in research derived from the National Health Survey.
The survey, conducted in 2019, established that 14.4% of the Panamanian population aged 15 or older had diabetes, while subsequent international studies warn about the growth of cases and the underdiagnosis of the disease.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 312,800 Panamanian adults between the ages of 20 and 79 were living with this condition in 2024, compared to the 196,200 estimated in 2011.
The organization's projections indicate that Panama could reach 490,800 adults with diabetes in 2…
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Women account for the majority of diabetes diagnoses registered by Panama's social security system. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Diabetes continues to gain ground among the Panamanian population, with a higher concentration of diagnoses among women and an increase in risk factors associated with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits. The Social Security Fund (CSS) reported that during 2025 it treated approximately 53,000 people with diabetes, of whom 6,000 had type 1 diabetes and the rest had type 2 diabetes or other variants. The figures were released on the eve of World Diabetes Day, commemorated every November 14 to promote prevention, timely diagnosis, and access to treatments for this chronic disease.
Ángela Tulipano, head of the CSS Adult Health Program, explained that women account for the majority of diagnoses, a trend also observed in research derived from the National Health Survey. The Social Security Fund treated approximately 53,000 people with diabetes during 2025. Courtesy
The survey, conducted in 2019, established that 14.4% of the Panamanian population aged 15 or older had diabetes, while subsequent international studies warn about the growth of cases and the underdiagnosis of the disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 312,800 Panamanian adults between 20 and 79 years old were living with this condition in 2024, compared to the 196,200 estimated in 2011. The organization's projections indicate that Panama could reach 490,800 adults with diabetes by 2050, while it is currently estimated that around 40% of those affected are unaware of their condition.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use this hormone, causing an excessive accumulation of glucose in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing pancreatic cells, so patients need to administer this hormone daily to keep their glucose levels under control. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 312,800 Panamanian adults were living with this disease in 2024. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Type 2 diabetes, which represents the majority of cases, is related to the body's resistance to insulin and factors such as genetic predisposition, aging, obesity, and insufficient physical activity. Among the most common symptoms are excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and involuntary weight loss, although some people may remain for several years without evident manifestations.
Prolonged exposure to elevated glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the likelihood of kidney failure, vision loss, heart attacks, and strokes. Nerve damage and circulatory problems can also cause ulcers and infections in the feet, which in advanced situations require surgical interventions and can lead to the amputation of lower limbs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 830 million people were living with diabetes in 2022, while in 2023 nearly 2.4 million died from this disease or associated kidney complications. The excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Tulipano warned that family history, the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, inadequate stress management, and lack of sleep can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The specialist recommended performing, annually starting at age 30, fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin tests, exams that allow identifying metabolic alterations and establishing an early diagnosis of the disease.
To serve this population, the CSS has 35 diabetes clinics distributed throughout the national territory and two specialized units in Ciudad de la Salud for pediatric patients and pregnant women. Until July 2026, these facilities had treated more than 23,000 people and delivered around 10,000 glucometers to patients who meet the medical criteria for home glucose monitoring.
Health authorities recommend maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and attending periodic medical checkups to prevent type 2 diabetes or reduce the risk of complications among those who already have it.