BIU's Diabetes SPHERE Sweet Success
Within 3 years only, BIU’s Sphere Achieves 40% Reduction in Diabetes Progression
Fresh data released today from Maccabi Healthcare Services reveals a stunning 40% reduction in the progression from prediabetes to diabetes among participants. The massive reduction was achieved through simple yet effective interventions, including lifestyle modifications, weight management, and targeted medical approaches.
"These preliminary results demonstrate that straightforward interventions - adopting a healthy lifestyle, weight reduction, or using metformin - can dramatically reduce the progression to diabetes," explains Professor Naim Shehadeh, Director of the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHEREץ
Expanding Impact Across the Galilee
To prevent morbidity and reduce disparities, SPHERE works not only with its partners in the health system but also with its partners in local government. Upon its establishment SPHERE launched a pilot with five local authorities in the Galilee.
Today, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the project is active in 23 Arab and Jewish local authorities in the north, serving over 660,000 residents. As a leading scientific body SPHERE brings to this joint venture a groundbreaking model for reducing disparities and morbidity in diabetes and obesity in the most complex local councils in Israel. Implementation in the local authorities has created an ecosystem including health, local government and the community that has never existed before.
Innovation in Crisis Response
During the current conflict, the project has demonstrated remarkable adaptability by developing emergency healthcare management systems for the northern communities. The team has created comprehensive support systems, including telephone consultation services for physicians and educational materials in both Hebrew and Arabic. Additionally, they've implemented emergency healthcare management tools that enable local authorities to better serve their communities during challenging times.
Building for the Future
The project's innovative approach has garnered national attention, with Health Minister Uriel Busso recently praising its achievements and pledging increased cooperation to expand the program nationwide. The initiative continues to advance through multiple channels, focusing on research and education. Significant progress has been made through research grants awarded to northern researchers studying diabetes genetics, new treatments, and microbiome research. The project has established specialized training programs for healthcare professionals while developing educational initiatives for community leaders and religious leaders. Perhaps most importantly, they've helped create sustainable, budget-linked five-year strategic health plans for local authorities.
"This is the first time we've conducted such an in-depth collaborative process with local authorities in Israel, enabling them to build a solid foundation and make health an integral part of their municipal DNA," says Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Deputy Director of Sphere.
As World Diabetes Day 2024 approaches, the Diabetes Sphere project exemplifies the transformative impact of community-based health initiatives and highlights the potential of innovative strategies to tackle critical health challenges n peripheral regions.