Doha: There has been an increase in the rates of chronic and non-communicable diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles such as physical inactivity, smoking, obesity, and stress, which led to significant and widespread concerns with serious human and financial consequences for countries and their healthcare systems.
According to Qatar News Agency, diabetes is becoming the most common chronic and non-communicable disease, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The international community celebrates World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 each year, since it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.
HE WHO Representative in Qatar Dr Rayana Bou Haka, in an exclusive interview with QNA, revealed that around 800 million people are currently diagnosed with diabetes globally. She highlighted that the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including 22 countries among them the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, has the highest regional prevalence rate of diabetes, standing at 17.6 percent among adults aged between 20 and 79 years.
In this region, nearly 85 million adults, which equates to one in every six people, are living with diabetes. This number is projected to increase by 92 percent to reach 163 million by 2050. Despite efforts in health education, awareness, and the development of medicines and treatment methods, the burden of diabetes is expected to grow both in the short and long term.
Dr. Bou Haka expressed concern about the region recording the highest rate of diabetes-related deaths, 21.6 percent, among working-age individuals under 60 years old. She emphasized that about one-third of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed, highlighting significant gaps in early detection and patient care, which limit people's ability to live longer, healthier lives.
She detailed the prevalence of diabetes complications in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, identifying rates for retinopathy (25 percent), kidney disease (23 percent), neuropathy (6 percent), dyslipidemia (56 percent), hypertension (59 percent), ischemic heart disease (25 percent), coronary artery disease (15 percent), and diabetes-related foot complications (6 percent).
Dr. Bou Haka noted that the proportion of people with diabetes in the Gulf countries ranges between 10 percent and 15 percent of the diagnosed population. She attributed this variation to factors such as personal readiness to cope with the disease, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits.
The WHO Representative warned that if the global situation persists, achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-reducing chronic diseases by one-third by 2030-will be challenging. She indicated that only about 11 percent of that target may be reached by the stated year, emphasizing the need for greater attention to prevention, awareness, early diagnosis, and access to healthcare services.
Despite challenges, Dr. Bou Haka highlighted Qatar's progress through its National Diabetes Strategy, which focuses on awareness, prevention programs, and health education. She praised initiatives like Qatar's National Sport Day and accessible exercise equipment, lauding the efforts of national bodies like the Qatar Diabetes Association.
Dr. Bou Haka announced WHO's plans to adopt similar initiatives globally and launch a free online diabetes education program modeled after Qatar's approach. She explained that investing in diabetes prevention yields significant treatment cost savings and health benefits.
She commended Qatar's support for WHO health programs, emphasizing the importance of facilitating patient access to medications through joint drug procurement initiatives. Dr. Bou Haka also noted a balance in diabetes rates between men and women and stressed the importance of medical examinations for those over 35 years of age.
The world aims for 80 percent of people with diabetes to be diagnosed and aware of their condition by 2030, with controlled blood sugar and pressure levels. The goal also includes ensuring insulin access for those with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Bou Haka emphasized the shared responsibility of governments, institutions, communities, and individuals in achieving these targets.
World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 aims to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, support patients, and highlight the impact of diabetes on society, stressing the importance of prevention and management.