Almost 15 per cent of people in Bahrain are suffering from diabetes, with efforts underway to tackle the chronic disease, a top medical expert has stated.
Awali Hospital consultant endocrinologist Dr Dalal Alromaihi has revealed that the numbers, which have been derived from the National Health Survey, are comparable to other GCC countries.
The main reasons given include genetics, lower physical activity, higher weight, imbalanced diet and lack of proper sleep.
“People in the region have a genetic predisposition to the disease,” Dr Alromaihi told the GDN.
“On top of that, a lot of people are performing fewer physical activities than before, which combined with sugar intake and too many carbohydrates, leads to weight gain.
“Additionally, people require about six to eight hours of sleep a day, which many are not getting.
“As a result, about 15pc of people in Bahrain suffer from diabetes.
“Thus, efforts need to be put in to address these issues in order to gradually reduce cases in the kingdom.”
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced.
Symptoms include excessive thirst, urinating more than usual, unexplained weight loss, feeling tired and weak, mood changes, blurry vision, slow healing sores and infections of the gum and skin.
It is divided into two types, each with its own causes, risk factors and treatment and prevention protocols.
Type-1 Diabetes occurs when the body attacks the cells in the pancreas, meaning it cannot make any insulin. Type-2 Diabetes is largely attributed to childhood obesity and physical inactivity.
The Health Ministry is tackling the rising number of cases of both types, in co-operation with the Bahrain Diabetes Society, local hospitals and other agencies.
There have been collaborative efforts in schools to ensure that canteens are stocked with healthy food and students are being encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet. So far, more than 10,000 students are estimated to have benefited from such campaigns.
Earlier this month, a group of five MPs, led by Muneer Suroor, presented a proposal to raise the legal age for consuming energy drinks from 18 to 21.
The proposal also aims to prevent children and adolescents from having easy access to the products by controlling their display in public areas.
Expat communities have also joined the fight, with groups such as the Dawoodi Bohras of Bahrain, organising community initiatives and activities as part of efforts to take children aged under 15 away from smartphones and tablets, with excessive screen use being linked with rising rates of childhood obesity and diabetes.
A number of cyclothons and walkathons have also been organised as of late, with some of them seeing the participation of more than 800 adults and children.
Additionally, last month, more than 200 doctors, nurses and dieticians attended the Diabetes and Obesity Programme: SPIN, organised by Bahrain Diabetes Society to train medical professionals on how to better manage diabetes and obesity.
Dr Alromaihi recommended that people after a certain age routinely test for the disease, and gave her expert advice on how to manage diabetes, if you are diagnosed with it.
“People aged 35 and over should test for diabetes and check their blood sugar level around every one to three years, depending on factors such as how many family members have it,” she said.
“If you do end up being diabetic, start by eating the correct portion of food, especially carbohydrates, and eat things that do not raise sugar levels such as fruits and sugar.
“It is also important to exercise around 150 minutes per week and sleep for around six to eight hours every night.
“Most importantly, consult with your doctor before using any medication.”
Dr Alromaihi has also urged people to look after not just their physical well-being, but also their mental health, as diagnosis, especially early days, could be difficult to hear.
“Be kind to other people and yourself,” she said.
“Do not overstress yourself, it may not be easy, but with support from friends and family, you can still live a long and fulfilling life.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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