Diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the most critical public health challenges in Costa Rica. To tackle this growing crisis head-on, the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica has announced it will host the II Congress “A Healthier Country for a Better Future” (Un país más sano para un futuro mejor).

Scheduled for June 2, this vital community event is completely free of charge and open to the general public. It focuses on providing essential education, prevention strategies, and holistic approaches to managing diabetes and other chronic conditions.

The Rising Numbers of Diabetes in Costa Rica

The scale of diabetes in the country is escalating daily. According to recent data from the Ministry of Health, approximately 375,000 adults in Costa Rica are currently living with diabetes mellitus. Even more concerning is that local health authorities register roughly 35 new diagnoses every single day.

The vast majority of these cases are Type 2 diabetes. This specific condition is highly preventable and heavily tied to lifestyle factors such as:

• Prolonged sedentary routines
• Being overweight or obese
• Unhealthy dietary habits

Further highlighting the urgency, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington estimates that the disease’s prevalence has reached roughly 14.8% of the adult Costa Rican population. This sharp upward trend threatens both the daily quality of life for thousands of citizens and the long-term financial sustainability of the national healthcare system.

Stepping Outside the Classroom to Help Communities

In response to these alarming statistics, Universidad Latina is leveraging its university extension program to make a tangible social impact. Originally launched in 2024, the initiative has successfully organized two major congresses and two community health fairs dedicated to boosting public health literacy.

“University education can no longer be limited solely to the classroom,” explains Osvaldo Cerdas, a professor and the lead coordinator of the congress. “Universities have a responsibility to become increasingly involved in social projects that generate a real impact on people’s lives. We must approach communities, listen to their needs, and provide tools that promote prevention, well-being, and quality of life.”

Expert-Led Sessions and Essential Keynotes

The event will transform the San Pedro campus into a collaborative hub, bringing together medical professionals, leading academics, students, and institutional representatives. Attendees will gain access to cutting-edge research and practical advice across a wide spectrum of care—including nutrition, physical activity, treatment adherence, visual rehabilitation, and psychosocial well-being.

Featured Presentations Include:

• 🩺 “Humanizing Diabetes: The Patient’s Voice in the Healthcare System” – Shifting the focus toward empathetic, patient-centered care models.
• 🥾 “Comprehensive Approach to the Diabetic Foot” – Crucial guidelines covering prevention, proper evaluation, and clinical management to avoid severe complications.
• 🏃‍♂️ “Physical Activity and Metabolic Health” – Exploring the latest scientific evidence on how movement directly prevents and regulates blood sugar levels.
• 🥗 “Nutritional Treatment of the Diabetic Patient” – Actionable dietary strategies engineered for better metabolic control and an enhanced quality of life.

Event Details at a Glance

If you or a loved one are navigating a diabetes diagnosis, or if you are a health student or professional looking to expand your knowledge, here are the logistical details you need to know:

Event Detail: Information

Date: June 2

Time: 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Location: Auditorium of Universidad Latina, San Pedro Campus

Cost: 100% Free

Target Audience: Open to the general public, patients, families, and health professionals

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