Obesity is the biggest factor behind the increasing incidence of Type 2 diabetes among Qatari nationals, Hamad General Hospital’s Medicine and Endocrinology department senior consultant Dr Mohsen Eledrisi has observed.
Dr Eledrisi, who was speaking on the sidelines of a recent Diabetes Care Workshop for primary healthcare physicians conducted as part of the Action on Diabetes initiative, said more than 90% of diabetics in Qatar have Type 2 diabetes.
He said the incidence of Type 2 diabetes directly correlates to Qatar having the second highest prevalence of obesity worldwide. “According to the International Diabetes Federation, about 23% of Qataris have diabetes and more than 90% of those have Type 2 diabetes,” he added.
Type 1 diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age.
It is an autoimmune disease that may be caused by genetic, environmental or other factors and accounts for about 5% of diabetes cases worldwide.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases worldwide and is usually associated with obesity and physical inactivity, family history of Type 2 diabetes or older age. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented through healthy food choices, physical activity and weight loss.
Dr Eledrisi explained that obesity is increasing among the local population due to lifestyle changes that have been largely brought about by economic prosperity.
“People’s eating habits have changed and their diets now include a lot of high-calorie and fatty foods. Most people use cars a lot and many don’t do any sort of exercise,” he claimed. “We need to be conscious about what we eat and take the time to exercise.”
He recommended eating larger proportions of vegetables and fruits and reducing the amount of saturated fats in one’s diet. “An important message here is to increase your physical activity levels, watch your weight and pay attention to your diet, including both the quality and quantity of food you consume,” he cautioned.
Speaking about the Diabetes Care Workshop, Dr Eledrisi explained that it highlighted the role of diabetes education for patients and the importance of prevention and early screening.
He said the goal is to provide attendees with the latest information and international recommendations on diabetes diagnosis and treatment, management of complications and treatment of diseases associated with diabetes.
Action on Diabetes is a partnership between the Supreme Council of Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Diabetes Association, Primary Health Care Corporation, Maersk Oil and Novo Nordisk.
The partnership’s aim is to raise awareness of diabetes, help those at risk prevent it and support those with diabetes to manage their health better.