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UAE steps down in diabetes ranking

The UAE now ranks eight notches lower in global prevalence of diabetes with 20 per cent of the citizens believed to be living with the disease, said a report.

For the past few years the country was in the second position in prevalence of diabetes cases.

According to the report by Abu Dhabi-based Injazat Data Systems, almost a fifth of the UAE’s population has diabetes. “Most have the Type 2 variant which can be easily prevented by exercising regularly and following a good diet.

Shaikha Fatima’s health campaign has helped a lot in educating people on the causes and effects of this condition and how they can actually lead a diabetes-free life via a healthy lifestyle,” said Ali Al Neaemi, chief corporate support officer, Injazat Data Systems.

“It is precisely these kinds of collaborative platforms that have helped the UAE improve its global ranking in the prevalence of the disease,” he added.

Al Neaemi further added through collective nationwide efforts to stem the harmful social and economic impacts of diabetes, the UAE has successfully dropped from second to 10^th among countries with the highest incidents of diabetes.

With around 24 per cent of citizens afflicted with the disease, the government has stepped up funding for treatments to around 40 per cent of the national healthcare budget. — news@khaleejtimes.com