DOHA: Many diabetes patients fail to follow medications appropriately, leading them into complications, says an expert.
An unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise and neglecting other health issues are also some of the most common mistakes made by patients in Qatar, according to Dr Mohamed Aiad, Assistant Regional Director of Operations - Northern Region, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).
“Patients do not follow medical indications and deny the possible adverse complications of the disease, refusing insulin and not having a healthy diet or are doing exercise,” Dr Aiad told this newspaper.
“Many patients tend to have other health issues; they should not ignore them and should try to talk to the doctor about how they affect their diabetes and quality of life.
“One of the biggest mistakes patients make is missing doses or not taking the right amount of medicine. In addition, regular follow-up to check the level of sugar is essential,” he said.
Diabetics is a alarming lifestyle disease in Qatar and last year, on average 282.53 cases were found among every 1,000 people, according to International Diabetes Federation.
It has affected 15.73 percent of the population aged 20-79. On average, 114.99 have undiagnosed diabetes among every 1,000 people.
Once diagnosed with diabetes at a primary healthcare centre, the patient is referred to PHCC’s special Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) clinic for follow -up.
There the patient starts medication based on the case, starts life style modification, diet counselling and is further investigated.
The NCD programme includes a new guideline and protocol, annual diabetic day celebration, a psychologist and specialised medical staff such as consultant physician, health educationist, specialist nutritionist and diabetic educator.
Diabetes prevention is as basic as eating more healthfully, becoming more physically active and losing a few extra kilograms.
“Get more physical activity to lose weight, lower blood sugar and boost the sensitivity to insulin (keeping the blood sugar within the normal range); get plenty of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, which will reduce the risk by improving the blood sugar control and weight loss; and skip fad diets and make healthier choices,” said Dr Aiad.
The Peninsula
