Multiple health sources indicated a significant increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes in the Kingdom, indicating that about 13.4% of Saudis suffer from the disease, which has begun to spread at greater rates in recent years. The Ministry of Health has activated World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14 of every year. In general, by intensifying awareness campaigns and launching many plans and programs for care and prevention.
The head of the Pharmacovigilance Organization in the Middle East and a member of the Medication Errors Committee at the World Health Organization, Dr. Thamer Al-Shammari, in earlier press statements, attributed the high rates of infection with the disease in Saudi Arabia to malnutrition, lack of exercise, and the spread of fast food stores, which contributed to The prevalence of excessive obesity among members of society.
Al-Shammari estimated the number of people with diabetes in the Kingdom at about 3.7 million people, calling for concerted efforts to combat the disease, which has become an obsession for many people around the world in general and the Kingdom in particular, as responsible sources confirm that it costs the national economy about 15% of the total health budget in the Kingdom.
Ignorance of the disease
For his part, the diabetes and endocrinology consultant at King Fahad Medical City, Dr. Saad Al-Zahrani, revealed that the number of people infected with the disease, which doctors call the “silent killer,” is constantly increasing, calling on all citizens to be careful to conduct medical examinations regularly, indicating that full knowledge of the details of the disease is important. The causes of infection and elements of prevention are basic information that every person must be aware of. He also explained that half of those infected with the disease do not know that they are infected, pointing out that the number of visitors to diabetes clinics in King Fahad Medical City is approximately 500 patients per month.
Obesity and lethargy
Statistics from the Saudi Ministry of Health for the year 2020 revealed that obesity rates among Saudis reached about 59%. Of them, 28.7% have exceeded their weight and become actually obese, and 31% are overweight in the age group of 15 years and above, indicating that weight gain is considered the most prominent cause of the disease, especially since 60% of Saudis do not practice any sporting activity. As for the World Health Organization, it confirmed in its report that the Kingdom has the highest incidence of type 2 diabetes in the world, which is linked to obesity in direct and indirect ways.
In this context, specialists confirm that practicing any moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, for only 150 minutes per week is sufficient to avoid physical inactivity and obesity.
While recent reports indicated that the annual cost of treating diabetes and its complications in the Kingdom exceeds 4 billion riyals, which is spent on treating patients whose percentage of those over the age of thirty out of the total population is about 24%.
Government efforts for prevention and care
As part of its efforts to preserve the health of citizens, the state has completed many plans, programs and campaigns to raise awareness about diabetes and prevent it. It has also established 20 specialized centers, and work is currently underway to establish 8 new centers in all regions. In addition, a national implementation plan has been launched extending over 10 years and includes seven The goals are primary and secondary prevention of diabetes (Type 2), reducing the chances of contracting the disease, developing the quality of health services across its three levels, developing methods for monitoring, following up and evaluating those infected, developing research tools and studies related to diabetes, and enabling those infected and their families to control the disease and its complications. And enhancing community participation to achieve this goal. In the same context, the National Diabetes Awareness Program and the National Campaign to Combat the Disease were launched, which included the distribution of more than (400) thousand testing devices to patients registered in the centers.
Rising numbers
At the global level, the Saudi Ministry of Health indicated that the number of people with diabetes in the world reached 537 million people in 2021, while the number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030. At the same time, diabetes caused the death of 6.7 million people in 2021. .
Because the percentage of people infected with the disease has witnessed a rapid increase over the past twenty years; On December 20, the United Nations took the initiative to adopt November 14 of each year as World Diabetes Day, in order to recognize the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to encourage and improve human health, and to provide access to treatment and education in the field of health care. The resolution also encourages member states. To develop national policies for the prevention of diabetes, treatment and care of those affected, in line with sustainable development methods in their health care systems.
The World Health Organization has designated “Access to Diabetes Care” as a theme for World Diabetes Day for the period 2021-2023. Millions of people with diabetes around the world are still unable to obtain the care they need. Diabetics need continuous care and support to manage the health condition and avoid complications.
How to prevent
It is worth noting that diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputation. However, it is possible to control type 2 diabetes and prevent or delay its occurrence by following a healthy diet in conjunction with good physical activity, in addition to abstaining from smoking. Doctors also recommend avoiding the serious consequences of the disease or delaying its appearance through medications and examination. Regular treatment and treatment of any complications.
2023-11-14 08:29:43
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