A lack of data means a lack of care. In this episode, Professor Sarah Wild explains why collecting, managing, and using high-quality health data is critical for improving type 1 diabetes outcomes—especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Together with our hosts, she reflects on best practices from high-income countries, ethical considerations, the role of digital tools, and how even small data initiatives can spark meaningful change.

Key Topics Discussed:

✔ Why health data are vital for patient care, health system planning, and research
✔ The role of registries in improving diabetes management in countries like Scotland and Denmark
✔ Common barriers to data collection in low-resource settings
✔ Ethical concerns, data privacy, and informed consent
✔ Urban–rural disparities in health system capacity
✔ The potential of digital tools and mobile technologies
✔ Using data for actionable insights and health system strengthening
✔ International collaborations, like the Diamond 2A project
✔ Why data systems must include all forms of diabetes and non-communicable diseases

Hosts:

• Gretchen Repasky, Education and Networking Manager, Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy, Denmark
• Newton Ngugi, Associate Programme Manager, World Diabetes Foundation, Kenya

Guest

• Sarah Wild, Professor, University of Edinburgh, Scotland: [email protected]

Find more resources at:

DDEA
World Diabetes Foundation

Credits and Contact Information:

Producer and publisher: Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (www.ddeacademy.dk)

Audio editor: Mediehuset Periskop

This podcast was produced in connection with the international meeting Type 1 Diabetes, Advancing a Global Roadmap for Improved and Integrated Care in Low-Resource Settings, held in early February 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This meeting was organised and hosted by the World Diabetes Foundation, the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva, and the East African Diabetes Study Group.