Type 2 diabetes is a growing global health crisis, with alarming increases in prevalence across all regions. Despite extensive knowledge of its causes and treatments, health systems worldwide have struggled to effectively combat this non-communicable disease. 

Mr. Abdo Yazbeck, former World Bank Lead Health Economist and now faculty at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Dr. Melanie Santillan, Senior Manager at PhilHealth, delved into the systemic failures that have contributed to the rise of type 2 diabetes, along with perspectives on the Philippine experience. The discussion included shortcomings in early detection, understanding lifestyle drivers, and policy missteps that inadvertently exacerbate the problem. Through a health systems lens, they shared actionable steps and strategies that can be implemented to slow the growth of this disease.