AN ANALYSIS OF DIABETES-RELATED HEALTH POLICY PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN POLAND BETWEEN 2012 AND 2022

Background
This study examines the diabetes-related health policy programs (HPPs) implemented in Poland between 2012 and 2022.

Material and methods
The material of the study was a collection of all HPPs submitted by local government units (LGUs) in Poland between 2012 and 2022, among which diabetes-related programs were identified. The full texts of the diabetes-related programs were subject to retrospective analysis, taking into account the characteristics of the measures envisaged in them, as well as information about the submitting LGU.

Results
Out of 1974 programs submitted by LGUs, only 2.3% were diabetes-related, and merely 1.3% were implemented. All programs focused solely on type 2 diabetes. 43.8% of provinces, 4.2% of counties and 1% of communes had implemented at least one diabetes-related program. Secondary prevention and health promotion were emphasized, with little attention to primary prevention. Common interventions included health education, BMI/WHR measurements, and FPG/OGTT tests.

Conclusions
HPPs are rarely used in diabetes prevention by LGUs. There are barriers, including limited legal authority for certain interventions, inadequate expertise in program design, and disparities in resources and capacities among LGUs. In the article, recommendations are made for improving diabetes-related HPPs, including the improved defining of target populations, incorporating primary prevention strategies, and providing support and training to local administration workers.