Across the globe, diabetes continues to soar at an alarming rate, affecting a whopping 537 million people. Thailand, unfortunately, isn’t exempt from this crisis, with an average of 300,000 new cases cropping up annually. World Diabetes Day – designated for November 14 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) – focuses on the perils of this health challenge spiralling out of control worldwide and aims to educate people on their susceptibility based on factors such as lineage, obesity, hypertensive conditions, excessive waist circumference, and the unhealthy penchant for sweet delicacies.
Making “Diabetes: Know your risk, Know your response” this year’s theme, the IDF emphasizes the criticality of being cognizant of the dangers associated with diabetes and its complications, and the imperative access to information and healthcare services for the public and the vulnerable demographic. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas data, out of the 537 million people globally living with diabetes, a resounding 90% suffer from type 2 diabetes, with almost half of these cases being undiagnosed. Projections indicate that by 2030, this figure will rise to 643 million and further escalate to 783 million by 2045.
Key risk factors contributing to diabetes include a familial history of the disease, obesity, overweight, large waist size, high blood pressure, sugar cravings, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol consumption. However, it is reassuring to note that such threats can be mitigated through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing intake of sweet, fatty, and salty foods. Recommendations extend to maintaining regular physical activity, ensuring mental wellness, acquiring sufficient sleep, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol.
In an effort to control their nation’s diabetic population, last year, the Embassy of Denmark in Thailand collaborated with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) to seek innovative healthcare solutions. Their goal? To meet the urgent needs of diabetic patients by developing cutting-edge medical technologies.
Per the Ministry of Public Health’s statistical report, Thailand’s diabetes prevalence continues its upward trend year after year. This year alone saw an additional 300,000 new cases, escalating the accumulated diabetic demography to 3.3 million − a leap of 150,000 compared to last year. From the set national target of screening 22 million people, an astonishing 5 million individuals aged 35 and over are yet to undergo a diabetes check.
Dr Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, highly advocates for individuals over the age of 35 to get screened for diabetes annually. With timely diagnoses and treatment, there’s a significant reduction in fatality and severe complications probability. He quotes a blood sugar level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter as the norm.
Simplified by Dr Krissada Hanbunjerd, Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Division, diabetes is a result of hormonal aberrations leading to increased blood sugar levels. With long-term implications being damage to organs, thus leading to severe complications in the eyes, kidneys, heart vessels, and brain vessels. Type 2 diabetes, attributed to insulin resistance, is the most common variant. Initially unnoticed, it’s generally diagnosed in overweight or obese people over the age of 35 undergoing health checks.
To avoid complications, diabetics are advised to maintain blood sugar levels control, adhere to a healthy diet, regular medical consultations, take prescribed medications, regular exercise, self-foot examinations, and quit smoking and alcohol consumption. For further information, the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422 is always at one’s service.
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