A Dubai doctor’s view of the disease

dubai — With diabetes noted as a ‘silent killer’, Dr Prakash S. Pania, endocrinology expert said one should be watchful of the early tell-tale signs so the disease can be caught early.

“Increasing awareness about diabetes and large scale screening programmes can do this. Be particularly careful if you are above 40 with a strong family history of diabetes, are obese and lead a very stressful, sedentary life.”

On average, he sees over 200 patients per week in his clinic — 70 per cent of which are diabetic.

About 85 -90 per cent of these are Type 2 diabetics. But why?

With the UAE’s “desert climate”, people tend to steer towards indoor, sedentary activities.

Although the heat can sap body fluids and energy, this excuse has to stop.

“The UAE government is doing

Be particularly careful if you are above 40 with a strong family history of diabetes,

Dr Prakash S. Pania

a great work by providing its citizens with plenty of well maintained community parks, jogging/ cycling tracks etc.”

And with most newly constructed buildings equipped with gyms, swimming pools and saunas, there is no escaping healthy living.

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