Treatment of diabetics in MV: Is everything in jeopardy?

Treatment of diabetics in MV: Is everything in jeopardy?

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, treatment options for diabetics are in jeopardy. Diabetes is a widespread disease in this country, especially type 2 diabetes, which, at 14% of the population, raises regional values ​​above the national average of almost 11%. While type 1 diabetes is rarer, cases are steadily increasing, especially among children and adolescents. But what happens if the specialized practices disappear?

The situation is tense: 90% of diabetics are cared for by family doctors, while the remaining patients have to make use of the expertise of 39 established diabetologists and 34 specialist diabetological practices. Many of these practices are already working at their limits and can no longer accept new patients or have long waiting times. A worrying forecast shows that up to 80% of specialist practices could close, leading to a dramatic shortage of care. This fear is closely linked to the upcoming changes in the Health Care Strengthening Act (GVSG) and the hospital reform, which, as Diabetologie Online reports, particularly affects diabetology.

Origin of the crisis

The draft law stipulates that only general practitioner practices receive an annual chronic care and care allowance. This flat rate was previously paid quarterly and could be divided among different practices. This means that the specialized diabetological centers in particular are facing a financial disaster. Experts warn that the loss of these flat rates could cost up to 40% of the income of specialist practices. However, the costs for practices have increased in recent years due to rising fees and inflation. According to Nordkurier, medical fees have increased by 15% in the last ten years, while inflation rose by 26.9% and the basic wage amount by 36.5%.

Critics of the law argue that the new regulations really strengthen primary care and diabetological care. According to estimates, only four of the 34 specialized diabetology practices could survive. These drastic changes could leave up to 80% of the 4,500 type 1 and 20,000 type 2 diabetics in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania untreated, including pregnant women. Untreated diabetics risk serious complications that may land them in emergency rooms or intensive care units.

Political efforts and outlook

To address this worrying condition, diabetologists have begun to exert political pressure. The board of the Association of Diabetes Consultants in Germany (VDBD) has already contacted political decision-makers to demand improvements to the draft laws. In July 2024, a crucial Zoom conversation was held with a member of the Alliance 90/The Greens faction to underline the importance of diabetes counseling and training professions. During these discussions, the need to structurally improve inpatient care for diabetics is also pointed out, as DDG notes.

The challenges in diabetes care are enormous, and it remains to be seen whether the planned legal regulations will actually cover the crisis or whether we will have to experience further aggravation here. The upcoming parliamentary summer break could decide what happens next, and efforts to ensure fair remuneration for specialist services could be crucial. It is time to intensify the dialogue between medicine and politics before the gaps in care become insurmountable.