BioHermes, in collaboration with strategic partner Ermatra, proudly supported the Indonesian Health Services Association (Adinkes) in hosting a seminar on diabetes management.

The event, themed *Health Standards and Management of Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of HbA1c and Nutrition Based on Glycemic Index"* brought together over 1,200 participants (including 170+ on-site attendees), featuring prominent leaders from Adinkes, regional health ministries, primary care institutions, health insurance officers , and relevant health associations.

Indonesia's Diabetes Crisis: Urgent Action Needed

Recent data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) paints a concerning picture:

20+ million Indonesians live with diabetes in 2024;

National prevalence stands at 11.3%;

 73.2% of undiagnosed cases .

Even blood glucose and HbA1c testing are covered under the Prolanis (chronic disease program), effective screening and management are still far from the target.

The seminar underscored the vital need to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure to expand diabetes screening, optimize diabetes control, and reduce complications and associated costs. A key barrier identified: most primary facilities lack accessible HbA1c testing, forcing reliance on slow, lab-dependent processes that delay critical diagnoses.

Expert Insights: A Call to Transform Diabetes Care

Dr. M. Subuh (General Chairman, Adinkes)

Stressed the urgent need for accurate, accessible diagnostic testing

Highlighted severe disparities: many regions have just one health center offering HbA1c testing

Advocated for nationwide deployment of simplified, reliable HbA1c systems to meet screening targets

 Dr. Dwi Oktavia Handayani(Deputy Head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Service)

More efforts are made to promote diabetes education, prevention and treatment.

Encourage community to carry out screening, both primary and secondary healthcare to offer adequate treatment, to bring the public with closer accessibility.

Dr. Lily Kresnowanti (Director, BPJS Health Service Insurance)

Detailed BPJS's commitment to enhancing preventive care infrastructure

Explained three-tiered approach:

Health History screening identifies high-risk individuals

Follow-up testing confirms diagnoses

Emphasized that integrated chronic disease management (KBK) improves long-term outcomes

Dr. Roy Himawan (Director, Primary Health Service Governance)

Revealed 2024 Minimum Service Standards (SPM) compliance remains below 100%

Called for equitable access to quality primary care nationwide

Dr. Em Yunir (Director, Indonesian Endocrinology Association/PERKENI)

Highlight a clear clinical directive: HbA1c of diabetic patients should be maintained below 7% to minimize complications. Both Glucose and HbA1c level monitoring are significant for diabetes management and treatment adjustment.

Dr. Astuti Giantini (Operations Director, RSCM Hospital)

Presented the importance of HbA1c testing using the point of care method in diabetes management:
✓ Increases testing adherence and treatment compliance
✓ Improves outcomes via real-time monitoring
✓ Reduces long-term costs for patients and healthcare systems
✓ Enables early detection of prediabetes/diabetes

Dr. Doddy Izwardy (Indonesian Nutritionist Association/DPP PERSAGI)

Highlighted glycemic index-based diets as critical for prevention and control

Reinforced that regular glucose and HbA1c testing are essential for effective diabetes management

BioHermes and Ermatra presented a solution – the GluCoA1c Glucose & Glycohemoglobin Analyzer:
Combined blood glucose and HbA1c in a device

Reliable result can be traceable to both IFCC and NGSP.

User-friendly design is ideal for primary care setting.

BioHermes & Ermatra will dedicate to increasing public accessibility of reliable diabetes screening and monitoring with the innovative products.