FROM LEFT: Peter Schwarz, Department of Medicine at Prevention and Care of Diabetes, University of Dresden; Asma Deeb, Consultant Chief of Paediatric Endocrinology at Mafeaq Hospital; and Abdullah Al Hamaq, Executive Director at Qatar Diabetes Association
Qatar will conduct a new survey on the prevalence of diabetes including among expatriates in the country next year, said a senior official yesterday.
Previously, surveys on prevalence of diabetes were conducted only among Qataris and the last study in 2012 found that 16.7 percent were diabetic.
“Since the last survey, prevalence of diabetes would have reached between 18.5 percent and 20 percent. The survey planned for next year will include both locals and expatiates and we will know the exact figures,” Prof Abou Badi Abou Samra, Chairman of Medicine for Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said on the sidelines of the second Annual Arab Diabetes Medical Congress being held in Doha.
The survey will help get a forecast of the incidence of the disease, the percentage of the disease in different segments of the society and will also help to implement treatment decisions. It can also help officials to find the best methods for creating awareness about the disease to control its prevalence.
“The fight against diabetes is not easy as the prevalence of the disease in the Gulf region is double than in other regions. Globally, the prevalence of diabetes is eight to nine percent but in Qatar and in this region it is between 17 and 20 percent. The main reason behind it is that the wealth in this region has made people adopt a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. This has made people obese. The prevalence of obesity is more than 50 percent, which is a main risk factor for developing diabetes,” said Professor Abou Samra.
“To control this situation we need to work with schools, parents, mosques, malls and work places and create awareness, and also should have some legislation on healthy lifestyle,” he added.
More than 20 regional speakers and 500 participants at the Second Annual Arab Diabetes Medical Congress are discussing pressing issues related to diabetes in the region over two days at the at Rotana-City Center.
The congress includes several lectures, workshops, panel sessions that are giving up to date information and strategies for prevention and control of the disease.
“The congress is an opportunity to join in an action-oriented effort to tackle and solve the problem and improve knowledge about the disease, its management, and prevention by sharing the latest information,” said Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director, Qatar Diabetes Association of Qatar Foundation, opening the congress.
The opening session included a panel discussion on reviewing early screening and intervention strategies among children and adults.
The congress is supported by Rashid Centre for Diabetes and Research, the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association, Saudi Pharmaceutical Society and is organized by Maarefah Management.
