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UAE's health plan pays off in fight against diabetes

The UAE's national health plan to reduce non-communicable diseases is working as the latest data on diabetes shows. A fall to 11.8 per cent last year from highs of 19.3 per cent is significant. Government efforts coupled with awareness campaigns are the main reasons for this decline, but more needs to be done to meet the goal of a healthier society. What the government has done is to bring in regulations that ensure it is hard to procure and consume products laden with sugar like fizzy drinks, or for that matter tobacco. Higher taxes have made them dearer and users have felt the pinch and have been constrained to stay away from them. This has clearly improved their well-being and reduced obesity levels. The national health plan has roped in specialists from different sectors; VAT has been slapped on tobacco and soft drinks, while obesity among kids is being targeted. School canteens now serve healthier food. The message that excess sweet, salty and processed food could mean an early death from medical complications is reaching the masses. The government has acted on recommendations keeping in mind the state of public health. A regulation of the food industry was in order and the leadership has delivered on health security with its willingness to act on the immediate danger of obesity and diabetes that put some one million lives in the country at risk.
These preliminary results on diabetes levels should serve as an encouragement to continue the good work. There should be no room for complacency in the battle of the bulge at both the individual and policy levels. For its part, the government has been proactive but would be advised to target all fast foods and snacks. There are commercial interests involved and therein lies the challenge. It is already working with soft drink companies to curb sugar levels in their beverages. That is indeed progress, but it is important to keep the focus on unhealthy foods while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. A culture of fitness and simple eating must take root to help us reach our full potential physically. It must start at home and spread to the wider community. So try fresh foods and get some clean air and physical activity for a longer life.