UAE has highest number of diabetes sufferers in GCC

The UAE is among the top five countries with the highest percentage of adult diabetes sufferers. 70% of the UAE population is at risk for developing diabetes according to current indicators.

Its incidence is on the upswing. By 2030, it is estimated that numbers will double.

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Dr Amel B. El Tayeb, MD, FRCP, consultant endocrinologist and director of The Diabetes & Endocrine Center at Dubai Healthcare City, said:

"The UAE has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world and despite increasing health awareness and education, we are seeing increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with pre-diabetes and diabetes."

Hyperglycaemia and other related disturbances in the body's metabolism can lead to heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, kidney, eye and nerve damage leading to both a reduced quality of life and life expectancy.

"It is alarming to the professional health community in the UAE to see diabetes on the rise at such a rapid rate. While new diabetes treatments continue to be developed, there is still an area of huge, unmet medical need, particularly in the Middle East," he added.

"Simple lifestyle changes are proven to be effective to prevent or delay the onset of type II diabetes. This includes increased physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, excessive-weight loss, and smoking cessation," added Dr. Dr. El Tayeb.