More than 7,000 people are receiving treatment for diabetes in the Maldives, where the disease is the third leading cause of death, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said yesterday.
In a statement issued to mark World Diabetes Day, HPA said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major challenge for the country's health system.
About 85 percent of deaths in Maldives are attributed to NCDs, with diabetes ranking as the third leading cause of death, the agency said.
Citing hospital data, HPA said that as of October 30, 2013, thousands of people were receiving treatment for different types of diabetes across the country.
The figures released by HPA include:
- 300 people with type 1 diabetes.
- 7,000 people with type 2 diabetes.
- About 250 people treated annually for high blood sugar during pregnancy.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, while type 2 diabetes develops when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Lifestyle factors, including being overweight and physically inactive, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
HPA said people can take several steps to reduce their risk of diabetes, including:
- Eating a healthy diet and choosing healthy drinks.
- Maintaining regular meal times and controlling portion sizes.
- Staying physically active and exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Avoiding smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Undergoing regular health screenings, particularly for those experiencing symptoms or with a family history of diabetes.
According to the STEP survey, 35.6 percent of men and 7.6 percent of women in the Maldives smoke.
Under the National Multisectoral Action Plan 2023–2031, HPA is working to strengthen diabetes prevention, early detection and treatment services.
The agency said screening for diabetes through primary healthcare services would be strengthened to identify people at risk and facilitate early diagnosis.
World Diabetes Day will be marked with the introduction of a Diabetes Management Protocol and a nationwide special swimming event.
