Despite methodological limitations affecting the studies reviewed, evidence suggests that the prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia has increased over time. Our findings also highlighted wide disparities in the prevalence of diabetes across the country and the presence of a very large number of undiagnosed patients.
The paucity of available data (particularly for type 1 diabetes) and its unrepresentativeness of the whole country, calls for more evidence to be collected on the direct and indirect cost of diabetes. Such evidence is needed to uncover existing disparities within the country and to estimate the resources that will be needed to provide comprehensive diabetes care as part of the Government’s plan to provide universal health coverage.
Access to preventive and curative services is further challenged by disparities in health service provision, human resource distribution, and treatment availability. These disparities appear to be strengthened by the archipelago formation of the country which is conducive to unequal distribution of services and tends to favour urban areas over rural and remote areas.
In addressing these issues, the Ministry’s plan to reach universal health coverage represents an opportunity to strengthen access to healthcare and the number and the quality of services offered at primary care level. However, it must ensure that increased access also focuses on marginalised communities and that it will be backed by the necessary funds to ensure its scaling up and long-term sustainability.