ABUJA – Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, has disclosed that African Region has experienced a six-fold increase in diabetics Type 2 from 4 million in 1980 to 25 million in 2014.
This means that in 34 years (from 1980 to 2014) the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically in all countries of all income levels from 4 million to 25 million.
Moeti who made this known in her message to commemorate the 2018 World Diabetes Day with the theme, “The Family and Diabetes,” regretted that many settings in Africa, half of the people living with diabetes Type 2 are unaware of their disease and are not receiving treatment.
She noted that early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications of diabetes and since diabetes can potentially strike any family, awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors is important to help detect it early.
She said that this year’s theme underscored the impact of diabetes on individuals and families, and the important role they play in the prevention and control of the disease.
Clement Lugala Peter, the Regional Director, who was represented on the occasion by the Officer in Charge, WHO Nigeria, stressed that over 90% of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes and if not well controlled, diabetes might cause blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputations and other complications.
She blamed it on aging populations and lifestyle changes, including unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity. “Overweight and obesity are the strongest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases.
“Diabetes is a serious, persistent disease in which blood sugar is elevated. It may either be due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin (type 1 diabetes), or the body being unable to effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2 diabetes),” she explained.
“While family genes can be the cause of diabetes, family support can be a key benefit for people with diabetes. For instance, families can choose to buy and serve healthy and balanced diets, encourage participation in physical activity, and promote healthy living environments.
“Prevention of Type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases should begin early in childhood and continue throughout life.
“Having diabetes can also drain family finances when people with diabetes have to pay out of their own pockets for treatment. Disability or premature death due to diabetes can push families into poverty. Diabetes is also a huge burden on the health care system and the national economy,” she stated.
She urged everyone to eat healthily, be physically active and avoid excessive weight gain.
“Families can help to drive down diabetes through promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting family members with diabetes. We all have a role to play,” she said.
The post Type 2 Diabetics Rises To 21 Million Cases In 34 Years –WHO appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.
Source: Daily Independent
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Type 2 Diabetics Rises To 21 Million Cases In 34 Years –WHO
Description : ABUJA – Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, has disclosed that African Region has experienced a six-fold increase i...
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