With World Diabetes Day upon us, there’s no sugar-coating the dangers of the disease

On 14th November, people from all over the globe will mark World Diabetes Day under the theme Women and Diabetes: Our Right to a Healthy Future.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), over 199 million women are suffering from the disease, which is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally.

In the UAE, studies have shown that diabetes is prevalent among migrant women, particularly in South Asians, while further research indicates that one in every three pregnant women develops the disease during pregnancy.

“Recent figures from IDF confirm 37 million diabetics in the Middle East and North Africa, including 803,900 in the UAE,” reveals Dr Job Simon, consultant of endocrinology at Burjeel Hospital. What’s more, it’s predicted that these numbers will rise by more than 80 percent to 68 million by 2035.

The silent killer

“When you eat, your body turns food into sugars or glucose. At that point, your pancreas is supposed to release insulin — but with diabetes, this system does not work.”

Type 2 diabetes is the most common worldwide, with 90 percent making up most cases here in the UAE.

“Due to the climate, we spend most of our time indoors rather than walking or exercising; processed food, smoking and lack of sleep – all these lead to obesity, the gateway to diabetes,” says Dr Job.

Race against time

With nearly one million people afflicted and around 450,000 undiagnosed cases, the UAE has taken new measures in the hope of halting increasing numbers, including implementing a ‘sin’ tax on sugary drinks (50 percent) and energy drinks and tobacco products (100 percent).

Decrease your chances of diabetes — nutritional advice from Medeor 24×7 dietician Grace Medrano

Eat less…

• Highly processed carbohydrates made with white flour, white sugar and white rice
• Sugar-sweetened drinks that cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels
• Saturated and trans fats that increase cholesterol levels
• Processed meat linked to type 2 diabetes due to high levels of sodium and nitrates

Eat more…

• Healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, fish oils and flax seed
• Fresh fruits and vegetables but within caloric allowance
• High fibre cereals and breads made from whole grain
• Fish, shellfish, chicken and turkey

WORDS Ferdinand Godinez