- Investment enables four new clinics in Mexico for diabetes care.
- Clínicas del Azúcar operates over 50 clinics in Mexico and the USA.
- Mexico has 18.4% adult diabetes prevalence, with 4.8M undiagnosed.
- Public healthcare in Mexico is fragmented, leading to long wait times.
Investment Overview
Boehringer Ingelheim's Social Engagement Fund has invested in Clínicas del Azúcar, a social enterprise in Mexico, to open four new clinics. This marks the Fund's first expansion into Latin America, aiming to improve diabetes care access for underserved communities.
Background and Impact
The investment builds on a decade-long relationship with Clínicas del Azúcar, which started with a grant from the Making More Health initiative. The enterprise has grown into a significant healthcare provider in Mexico and Texas, USA, offering membership-based care models. This aligns with Boehringer Ingelheim's goal to expand healthcare access to 50 million people in underserved areas by 2030.
Healthcare Challenges in Mexico
Mexico faces a high diabetes prevalence, with 18.4% of adults affected and 4.8 million undiagnosed. The country also has the highest diabetes-related hospitalizations globally, with rates significantly higher than other Latin American countries and the OECD average. The fragmented public healthcare system results in long wait times, with 80% of patients lacking specialized care and only 10% affording private care. This often leads to treatment fatigue and discontinuation.
Clínicas del Azúcar's Approach
Clínicas del Azúcar addresses these challenges with over 50 specialized clinics in Mexico and the USA, offering integrated care including diagnostics, consultations, nutrition, and psychological support. Their model reduces the typical six-month patient journey to 90 minutes per visit, making high-quality diabetes care more accessible and affordable.
