By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a stark announcement coinciding with World Diabetes Day, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has revealed that a staggering 14.8% of the nation’s population is living with a diagnosed case of diabetes. The 2024 data highlights a growing public health crisis that experts warn could be even more widespread, as many individuals may be unaware they have the chronic condition.
The commemoration, first established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, serves as an annual reminder of a disease that often progresses silently. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to severe and debilitating complications, underscoring the urgency of the CCSS’s public health campaign.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding healthcare access and patient rights in the face of rising diabetes cases, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing prevalence of diabetes presents a significant challenge not only to our public health system but also to our legal framework. Under Costa Rican law, every patient diagnosed with diabetes has a fundamental right to timely and continuous access to necessary treatments and medications through the CCSS. Any interruption or denial of this care can be legally contested through a Recurso de Amparo, ensuring the state upholds its constitutional duty to protect the health and life of its citizens.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This intersection of healthcare and constitutional law is a critical point, reminding us that patient care extends beyond the clinic and into the realm of fundamental rights. The assurance that a legal framework exists to hold the system accountable provides a vital layer of security for every citizen facing this diagnosis. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential matter.
Health specialists define diabetes as a condition where a person’s fasting blood glucose level consistently exceeds 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). This metabolic disorder impairs the body’s ability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone essential for converting sugar into energy. The rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, in particular, has become a major concern for the nation’s healthcare system.
According to CCSS physicians, the surge in Type 2 diabetes is directly linked to modern lifestyle factors, including increasingly sedentary habits, poor dietary choices high in processed foods and sugars, and a corresponding rise in overweight and obesity rates. This trend is not unique to Costa Rica; global projections estimate that by the year 2045, a breathtaking 735 million people worldwide will be living with the disease.
A particularly troubling aspect of this trend in Costa Rica is the decreasing age of new patients. The disease is now appearing in much younger demographics, significantly increasing their lifetime risk of developing severe health issues. These long-term complications include cardiovascular damage, kidney failure, neurological problems, and vision loss. Furthermore, diabetes elevates the risk of developing hard-to-heal foot ulcers, which in severe cases can lead to amputations.
The often-subtle onset of the disease means it can go undetected for years. María Isabel Solís, a patient diagnosed eight years ago, shared her experience, which highlights the non-traditional ways the condition can manifest.
I never felt any of those symptoms. I started with dizziness, and that’s how I discovered I had the disease. When I found out, my sugar levels were at 400.
María Isabel Solís, Patient
While cases like Ms. Solís’s are a crucial reminder that symptoms can be atypical, the CCSS urges the public to be vigilant for the classic warning signs. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and blurred vision. Recognizing these signals early can be critical for timely diagnosis and intervention.
In response to the growing crisis, medical experts are issuing a strong call for prevention through lifestyle modification. Dr. Noel Ruiz, an internist, emphasized the power of proactive health management in combating the epidemic.
It is important to adopt healthy habits to avoid this non-communicable disease, which claims lives every year.
Noel Ruiz, Internist
The CCSS has outlined a clear set of recommendations for the public. These preventative measures include engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily physical exercise, consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco use, and attending regular medical check-ups. Additionally, ensuring adequate sleep and significantly reducing the intake of foods high in fats and sugars are fundamental pillars of a defensive health strategy. The institution reiterated that early detection combined with these healthy habits is the most effective formula for preventing complications and ensuring a high quality of life for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution responsible for providing universal health care and social security services to the population of Costa Rica. It manages the country’s network of hospitals and clinics, as well as its pension system, playing a central role in the nation’s public health policies and initiatives.
For further information, visit idf.org
About International Diabetes Federation (IDF):
The International Diabetes Federation is an umbrella organization of over 230 national diabetes associations in more than 160 countries and territories. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk. The Federation has been leading the global diabetes community since 1950.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal services, operating on foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. While serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social progress, actively working to democratize legal knowledge and foster a more capable and empowered community.
