Intensive efforts by the health authorities to fight diabetes in the country have resulted positively and the prevalence of the condition among adults remaining at an average of 17 percent, without any noticeable increase over the past several years, says an expert at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
The prevalence of diabetes has not increased since 2008, according to several surveys conducted periodically, Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie (pictured), Senior Consultant and Head of HMC’s Endocrinology and Diabetes Division, told The Peninsula. “There are several studies and survey about diabetes in Qatar, and the data shows that prevalence of the disease is steady. There was a study by the HMC in 2008, it showed the prevalence of diabetes as 16.7 percent. Then the Ministry of Public Health conducted a survey in 2012, it also showed same level of prevalence,” he said.
“The prevalence of diabetes has not increased stabilizing the prevalence of a disease is an achievement. This is probably due to the awareness programs conducted, since long time on preventing, screening and controlling diabetes,” he said speaking recently on the sidelines of the Second Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Conference (QDEM-2) held in Doha. HMC annually hosts series of events during the month of November in recognition of World Diabetes Day (WDD), screening thousands of residents across the country and raising awareness around how to better manage and prevent the disease. Screening and awareness campaigns are held during the holy month of Ramadan as well.
The awareness campaigns are designed to increase public understanding of diabetes and to empower residents to take control over their health. The campaigns highlights risk factors of the disease, raising awareness of associated signs and symptoms and providing strategies to manage and prevent diabetes and lifestyle-related conditions.
To mention, in 2015 HMC launched an 18-month diabetes campaign to raise public awareness of diabetes risk factors and to promote healthy lifestyle choices. It was an example of HMC’s ongoing efforts to stress the importance of both prevention and early detection.
Also with recent statistics suggesting that over seventy percent of the population is overweight, raising community awareness of healthy lifestyle practices is a vital strategy for reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Qatar, said Dr Ali Zirie.
HMC has also conducts diabetes education for patients to control the condition and lead a normal life. More than 30,000 patients received diabetes education at HMC between January 2016 and September 2017. The education provided to patients is individualised and focuses on daily care as well as handling emergency situations.
