Diabetes Association of Maldives (DSM)'s CEO Aishath Shiruhana revealed on Wednesday, that the number of children and youth diagnosed with diabetes is steadily increasing.
According to an interview given to local media Mihaaru News on World Diabetes Day (November 14), Shiruhan said that the theme for 2018 is 'The Family and Diabetes'.
In celebration of World Diabetes Day, DSM organized a special awareness session held in Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll on Tuesday. Additionally, on the following Wednesday Kudahuvadhoo Hospital conducted free-of-charge door to door screening for persons aged 35 and above.
During the first week of November, DSM had also hosted a family evening event.
Highlighting the lack of research on the issue of diabetes encompassing the nation, Shiruhan noted that it is difficult to say if the issue is becoming more prevalent in the country. However, thanks to the various screenings the NGO had conducted throughout the Maldives, she stated that it was clear that there is an exceptional increase in children and youth being diagnosed with the disease.
"People of old age are more susceptible to this disease, but we are finding children aged 13, 16 and 19 with type 2 diabetes," said Shiruhan.
Although insulin is provided by the national healthcare insurance scheme, 'Aasandha', Shiruhan stated that as the blood testing equipment is exempt of the insurance scheme, seeking treatment can be challenging for those suffering from the disease.
Further, the CEO also mentioned a lack of screening facilities in the islands.
"...People have to travel to nearby islands to do the tests. It is extremely difficult for those who have to do a multitude of tests."
In recent years, Diabetes screening has become a simple, efficient and affordable process. In many privately-owned pharmacies, over the counter testing gadgets are available for personal use, hence, the equipment can be deemed a feasible addition to the health scheme, provide even to islands with smaller populations and perhaps simpler health centres.
To prevent the disease from spreading, Shiruhan advised people to change their lifestyles, adding that the current lifestyle of Maldivians is very susceptible to acquire the disease, which includes factors of age, height, excessive weight and a lack of exercise.
DSM initiated a program called 'Save a Diabetic Child' was initiated by DSM in 2008, with the hopes of securing insulin needed by diabetic patients.
Although the program initially started with 35 children, a total of 122 children are currently registered in the initiative.
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