– 15/10/2022 at 2.00 pm
According to the Diabetes League, the increase is the result of an aging population and a lifestyle that more often leads to overweight. The increase is in line with the international trend, says spokeswoman Inge Everaert.
Statistics Flanders data show that more men (64 per 1,000) than women (56 per 1,000) are treated for diabetes. The proportion also increases with age. This is 207 per 1,000 for males over 75 and 176 per 1,000 for females. Furthermore, there are huge variations per municipality: from 40 per 1,000 in Sint-Genesius-Rode to 93 per 1,000 in Middelkerke. The provinces of West and East Flanders and Limburg have the largest number of municipalities with high elevations.
One in three people go undiagnosed
The Diabetes League points out that research by the Sciensano health institution shows that one in three people with type 2 diabetes are not diagnosed. In absolute numbers, this is around 400,000 Belgians. They are therefore certainly not included in the figures.
Statistics Flanders data is for people who use diabetes medications, who have a diabetes convention, who have diabetes follow-up, or who are included in a diabetes care process. Statistics Flanders used data from health insurance funds for this. The figures do not distinguish according to the type of diabetes. The figures also include people who take the drug but do not have diabetes.
