Dubai - On an average, the country spends Dh7,915 ($2155) on treating one patient.
Published: Thu 2 Jun 2016, 7:27 PM
Updated: Thu 2 Jun 2016, 9:32 PM
Schoolchildren, their families and teachers will be given training in managing diabetes, as officials grapple with rising numbers of people suffering from the lifestyle disease.
In 2015, the UAE had one million cases, health officials announced on Thursday, citing figures from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
As health officials launch programmes to increase disease awareness, improve patient care and educate on eating right, facts and figures suggest that much more still needs to be done.
According to the IDF, 1,384 people died due to diabetes in the UAE in 2015, while 387 in 1,000 were undiagnosed. Figures also suggest that the UAE is among the countries with the highest incidence of diabetes in the region, with a prevalence of 14.6 per cent in adults above the age of 60.
Prevalence of diabetes in UAE
>1 million diabetes cases in UAE in 2015
>1,384 people died due to diabetes
>387 in 1,000 people were undiagnosed
>On average, the country spends Dh7,915 on treating one patient
|
On an average, the country spends Dh7,915 ($2155) on treating one patient.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has signed a three-year long MoU with Sanofi to improve diabetes awareness and patient care.
A senior official from the ministry said it was important to establish surveillance systems and maintain national patient records in order create up-to-date databases, and monitor the progress achieved in combating diabetes through measurable indicators.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics and Chairman of the National Diabetes Committee, said the ministry aims to achieve the highest level of awareness on diabetes and its complications in the country.
"The effort is to equip the general public with the necessary knowledge to manage and prevent the disease ... This is the best way forward," he said.
The UAE is committed to the 10-year Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) plan to fight the disease and lower the rates of non-communicable diseases by 2021 which remain the biggest challenge for the country. He also said that the ministry will also provide advanced training to healthcare professionals as part of its initiative to combat NCDs.
"We will also hold community awareness programmes to enhance healthy lifestyles within the country and limit lifestyle-related diseases," he added.
Currently, the ministry is conducting many national surveys and research programmes to evaluate the incidence of diabetes and risk factors associated with it.
"One such programme is in progress by ministry in collaboration with the University of Sharjah, Dubai Health Authority and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi under the scientific supervision of Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute," he said.
The initiative will improve physicians' and nurses' capabilities in providing standardised treatment for diabetes patients. Under the MoU, the 'Quality Improvement of Health Services' activities will provide training programmes on standardised diabetes treatment for healthcare professionals including, physicians and nurses.
The "Empowerment of Diabetic Patients" will see educational workshops for diabetes patients and their families involving lectures by specialised experts.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
E-Paper
Sign In
0°C 
