The Premier interacts with top medical staff after inaugurating the facility yesterday.
DOHA: The number of diabetics in Qatar will double by 2030 and the need to create awareness about the illness to prevent it is very important, say experts.
It is estimated that about 16 percent of the Qatari population between 20 and 79 years have diabetes.
Working to raise awareness about diabetes, with focus on increasing public knowledge and understanding of the risk factors involved, ‘Action on Diabetes’ aims to encourage the community to make real lifestyle changes that make a difference to those who have diabetes and help prevent those at risk from developing it in the future.
The Head of Endorcinology at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr Mahmoud Zirie, said: “The campaign highlighted that the number of people in Qatar who are unaware of their diabetic condition or pre-diabetic is rather high.
“By 2030, it is estimated that the number of diabetics will almost double.
“However, with initiatives such as the screening campaign, we are trying to significantly lower the number through education, early detection and intervention,” Dr Zirie added.
The centre has completed a campaign at shopping malls.
The results of screenings show that a high percentage of Qatar’s residents have very high blood sugar levels.
Of 2,785 people screened during the campaign, 553 had diabetes or showed abnormal high levels of blood sugar.
What was alarming that 8.6 percent of people tested were unaware that they had abnormal high blood sugar.
All individuals at risk of developing diabetes had consultation with a diabetes educator and were advised adequate healthcare at assigned centres.
Raising awareness about diabetes and the need to be regularly screened was one of the main objectives of the campaign as early detection can help prevent the disease which has been rising at an alarming level in Qatar.
The Peninsula
