The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched a massive diabetes health awareness campaign in the Northern Border region where 2,000 people underwent blood glucose screening tests.
The program covered 19 central locations, 15 mosques and other areas of the city. Thirty-two cases were found with elevated glucose levels and another 96 cases were in pre-diabetic stages, a ministry official said; these patients were referred for further treatment.
It is estimated that 50 percent of people with diabetes are undiagnosed, which underscores the importance of education and blood glucose screenings among the population.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone needed for sugar to enter blood cells to produce energy. Formerly known as juvenile diabetes, the onset occurs over a relatively short time.
Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to, or does not make enough insulin; it is most commonly found in adults over 40. This type of diabetes represents 90 percent of cases in Saudi Arabia. Usually, it results from unhealthy dietary habits, lack of exercise and the prevalence of obesity. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication to stimulate the remaining insulin cells.
The prevalence of diabetes in the Kingdom is reported at an alarming level with over 25 percent of the adult population suffering from the disease, a figure that is expected to double by 2030.
Reports suggest that the Kingdom spends approximately SR30 billion ($8 billion) every year on the treatment of diabetes, with treatment for one patient costing the government SR5,000 per year if there are no complications. Costs increase to SR98,000-SR180,000 to treat renal failure patients.
Recently in Riyadh, Dr. Mohammed Al-Harbi, an expert in endocrinology, advised parents to ensure their children eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise to prevent obesity, which could lead to diabetes.
Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of disability, resulting in life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputation and blindness. Globally, 336 million people have diabetes, with this figure estimated to rise to over 550 million by 2030. There are 4.6 million diabetes-related deaths every year, or one every seven seconds.
Source: Arab News
GMT 22:15 2017 Friday ,15 December
Ministry pulls polluted baby milk formulaGMT 23:35 2017 Tuesday ,01 August
Patients' rights, duties document introducedGMT 03:47 2017 Tuesday ,04 July
Guidelines for fasting people from Oman's Ministry of HealthGMT 02:53 2017 Sunday ,11 June
Fasting advisory issued by Ministry of Health in OmanGMT 04:45 2017 Tuesday ,11 April
Oman medicare: Pay more for treatment if you pay cashMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor