The world celebrated World Diabetes Day yesterday raising awareness about a chronic health condition that affects millions worldwide. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise worldwide, the observance of World Diabetes Day every November 14 becomes crucial in highlighting the urgency of addressing this global health challenge.
As per the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics 537 million adults (1 in 10) were living with diabetes in 2021. This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Almost 1 in 2 adults (44%) with diabetes remain undiagnosed (240 million). These numbers show the urgent need to educate the public about diabetes, its risk factors, and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood sugar levels and pose significant health risks. Celebrating World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to disseminate information about the disease, dispel myths surrounding the condition, and promote early detection and intervention.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in cooperation with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Cooperation (PHCC) marked World Diabetes Day 2023 under the theme “Know your Risk, Know your Response” to emphasise the importance of screening to discover and manage risk factors to prevent the development of diabetes. Qatar has adopted novel technologies and has implemented many programmes to raise awareness about this epidemic among the citizens and residents of the country. Qatar’s National Diabetes Committee at MoPH has launched various health initiatives including the implementation of a pioneering national screening programme for diabetes and the National Diabetes Center at HMC has adopted the most advanced practices and devices in the world to support patients.
Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a voluntary charitable organization and a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), pointed out that as per a 2012 Stepwise Survey, 17% of adults in the country have diabetes, a rate more than double the global average, adding that approximately 20% of Qatar’s population is in the pre-diabetes stage. Qatar has made significant progress through implementing the diabetes awareness programme and self-management for newly diagnosed individuals, as the health authorities in the country have taken effective measures to control the problem and reduce the incidence of the disease.
Following a strict treatment regimen along with a healthy diet and lifestyle are key pillars of diabetes management and this can be achieved through proper guidance as empowering individuals to make informed choices can prevent or better manage the disease.
