70% of Qataris are overweight
(ANSAmed) - DOGA, JULY 25 - The number of diabetic patients in Qatar could double by 2030, according to doctor Mahmoud Ziries, who heads the endocrinology department of Qatar's health authority, the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The authority recently launched the campaign 'Action on Diabetes' to warn the population on the risks posed by diabetes.
About 16% of Qatar's population reportedly has diabetes and the emirate is considered as having the largest overweight population worldwide, 70% of the total.
'It is estimated that by 2030 the number of diabetics in Qatar will have doubled', said Zirie. 'Through initiatives like check ups and screenings we are trying to reduce the number of diabetics, also working through awareness campaigns, education and early diagnosis', he added.
An alarming fact that emerged from the campaign is that almost 10% of those tested for diabetes were completely unaware of having high levels of sugar in their blood.
Qatar will invest 10.5 billion dollars in the next five years in a national health plan whose priorities include the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the fight against diabetes.
(ANSAmed)
