UAE was ranked 15th worldwide for diabetes occurrence in a 2013 study conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), with 18.98 per cent of the UAE population living with diabetes.

More importantly, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly rampant across the UAE and is starting to affect all age groups. Insulin resistance is usually associated with obesity, stress and physical inactivity.

Dr Job Simon, Consultant - Endocrinology and Diabetes at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE, attributes the factors causing an increase of Type 2 diabetes in the country to the emergence and popularity of fast food and the hot summer months acting as a deterrent to exercise.

Another factor contributing to these statistics is the rise in obesity amongst youngsters. “With both parents usually working, families opt for pre-cooked or packaged meals which are high in bad fats, sugar and sodium. Children start eating unhealthy at an early age and as they usually kill time with video games or with computers, the sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity, hence putting them at major risk for diabetes,” Dr Simon highlighted.

While there is no recognised cure for the condition, Dr. Simon recommends getting checked for any one of the following symptoms: increased hunger and thirst, excessive urination, unable to concentrate, lack of interest, unusual weight loss, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet and blurred vision.

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.

Once diagnosed, the best way to manage diabetes is through exercise and diet. “Raising awareness on globally alarming medical conditions such as Diabetes is a serious matter. And Burjeel Hospital is committed to taking part in the continuous worldwide efforts to prevent and decrease the incidence of diabetes,” said Clancey Po, CEO of Burjeel Hospital.” – TradeArabia News Service