WHO predicts 57,000 Maltese diabetics by 2030

A full-colour booklet on diabetes and food was yesterday launched by the Health Promotion Department on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.

The booklet emphasises the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity as well as controlling diabetes.

According to the World Health Organisation, the local prevalence of diabetes was 39,000 in 2000 but is likely to go up to 57,000 by 2030.

Senior consultant diabetologist Antoine G. Schranz stressed the importance of education both for those who have already been diagnosed with diabetes as well as non-sufferers.

Speaking during a press briefing Dr Schranz pointed out that like many other chronic diseases, diabetics might not even realise they have the condition.

In fact, Dr Schranz said, one in three sufferers do not know that they are diabetic.

In Malta diabetes affects approximately 10 per cent of adults, but the numbers increase drastically as a person grows older and as many as one in three elderly people suffer from diabetes.

Diabetes can cause a multitude of problems and amputations feature quite high on the list. Almost half of all leg amputations were above the knee.

This year the International Diabetes Federation has chosen the theme Put Feet First: Prevent Amputations For World Diabetes Day.

The booklet, which was sponsored by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, will be distributed to Health Centres and hospitals. People can also call the Health Promotion Department to get a copy.