• Home
• /
• Health

To keep diabetes
at bay, go for
regular checkups

DUBAI - Diabetics must have a checkup every three months to keep their disease at bay, urged medical experts.

With 21.4 per cent locals and 17.4 per cent expats affected by diabetes in the UAE, the blood glucose test forms an important part of the diabetes treatment plan.

Dr Fatma Al Marashi, Chairperson of the Scientific Committee at the Emirates Medical Association pointed out to Khaleej Times the escalating figures of diabetes in the UAE while stressing on the ways to keep it under control.

Dr Fatma said, “The Hemoglobin A1C test that checks the average blood glucose should be done every 3 months. Diabetics must also go for an eye examination and cholesterol check every year. If the patient develops eye problems, then the frequency of the checkups must increase.

“According to the American Diabetes Association any diabetic above the age of 40 must be prescribed cholesterol reducing medication. Every visit to the doctor must be an educational lesson for the patient.”

The study by the Ministry of Health and the WHO say the escalating incidence of diabetes in the UAE has raised red flags for immediate action.

Diabetes can be genetic or can be lifestyle and environmentally influenced. Diabetes is a situation wherein there is an insulin resistance or insulin reduction.

Self management skills imparted by doctors equip patients with how to deal with the disease like what to eat, foot care or what it takes to bring the sugar level down.

“By the time a person is diagnosed with diabetes he has already lost 50 per cent of his insulin secretion. If not treated, the pancreas loses its capability to secrete and like an elastic band once it is pulled to its extreme, it loses its elasticity. So people need to go for regular checkups to control and live with it,” said Fatma.

The study also stated that 70 per cent of the population is overweight and obese.

“Environmental influences like a sedentary lifestyle, inactivity, the type of food one eats and smoking increases the chances of obesity that could lead to diabetes.

“So we need to tackle this, starting from schools, disseminating information and giving them hope that the disease can be prevented,” added Dr Fatma.

Mouhanad Hammami, Executive Director of the National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) who was present for a medical symposium in association with the University Hospital and Dubai Healthcare City told Khaleej Times that fast modernisation has led to diabetes in the region.

“It is a tax you have to pay with modern living. A couple of studies show that people have the ailment because they have forgotten how to play. Maybe due to the nature of the area with its high temperatures and also the high standard of living, people lose the subtleties of simple living where one goes for walks. All this coupled with the fast food culture are harmful.”

Efforts to reduce diabetes in the region are underway but more needs to be done in terms of awareness.

“It is a big burden but efforts that are being but into place will help in the challenge. However, it needs to be more aggressive and there is a need of more experts to deliver the right education and strategies in the community,” Dr Fatma said.

Distressing Facts

· UAE has the second largest incidence of diabetes in the world

· 21.4 per cent of the local population and 17.4 per cent of the expats are affected

· 50 per cent of the insulin is lost by the time a person is diagnosed with diabetes

· Hemoglobin A1C tests: Provides a picture of the average blood glucose control of a diabetic for the past 2-3 months; to be taken every three months.

· Eye and cholesterol examination to be done every year

· Diabetics after the age of 40 must be prescribed with cholesterol reducing medication

· 70 per cent of the UAE population is obese

afshan@khaleejtimes.com