DHA to implement novel strategies vs diabetes
DUBAI: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is continually formulating and implementing strategies to curb the incidence of diabetes among its residents which the Dubai Statistics Centre (DSC) placed at 2,877,926 as of Nov. 12.
Two of these strategies, already on the drawing board, are the availability of health coaches and the Dubai Diabetes Risk Calculator (DDRC) smart mobile app.
These are in relation to the “20142017 Dubai Diabetes Survey” conducted by the DHA Diabetes Committee in collaboration with the DSC.
The survey now serves as the full landscape of the prevalence of the disease in the emirate as from the 5,000 respondents—2,500 Emiratis and 2,500 expatriates—from nine residential areas, the total number of people with undiagnosed diabetes and those who are pre-diabetics have also been recorded.
All the respondents between the ages of 20 and 79 underwent blood glucose tests.
From the Tuesday (World Diabetes Day) presentation of Dha-diabetes Committee chairperson/ dubai Hospital endocrinology Department head Dr. Fatheya Al Awadi, the following were known: total prevalence of diabetes among the Emiratis living in Dubai is at 19 per cent or 475; total of undiagnosed diabetics is at 11 per cent or 275; and total number of pre-diabetics is at 18.6 per cent or 465.
The prevalence rate of diabetes among the foreigner-residents of Dubai is at 14.7 per cent or 368; total of undiagnosed diabetics is at 11.3 per cent or 283; and total number of pre-diabetic expatriates is at 15.5 per cent or 388.
Over-all, among the 5,000 locals and non-emiratis surveyed, total prevalence of diabetes is at 15.2 per cent or 760 and the pre-diabetics are at 16 per cent or 800.
From the press conference, DHA board chairman/director general Humaid Al Qatami expressed support to the DDRC smart mobile app.
Asked by The Gulf Today how DHA shall go about employing this anti-diabetes initiative, Dubai Hospital consultant endocrinologist Dr. Mohamed Hassanein said that while the DHA already has the app, discussions are ongoing, speciically about the DDRC components in relation to the health/diabetes proile of every individual which may range from one’s age, family history, weight and blood pressure level.
He said the survey results concretise the necessary management to the various stages of diabetes which is characterised by the spiked levels of sugar in the blood.
From the sidelines, Al Awadi explained that apart from continuing educational/awareness campaigns, the health coaches shall be there to assist in encouraging everyone deviate from lifestyles that instigate diabetes.
From the sidelines, Dha-primary Health Care Services Sector-health Affairs Department director Dr. Nahed Monsef was hopeful that the imposition of the tax system on goods namely sugary/frizzy drinks and tobacco will lead to better health, one of which is the mitigation of diabetes among residents.
She said: “We need time to see the effect. I am hopeful the taxes will help everyone realise how these (items) which are not good for our health in the irst place affect us.”
Meanwhile, the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services company International SOS released the following advice to diabetics on travel:
Visit your healthcare professional well in advance of travel to discuss your itinerary and activities.
Ensure your diabetes is stable and optimally controlled.
Have enough medication for the trip and a bit extra in case of delays. Medication should be in its original container, clearly labeled with the contents and your name.
Request a letter describing your condition, medication and equipment required, and carry a copy of your prescriptions.
Maintain healthy diet and active lifestyle especially that you are away from home.
Diabetes may lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney ailments, blindness and nerve damage.