Stakeholders prepare new diabetes survey

Qatar is planning to conduct another survey for diabetes statistics soon, disclosed an official yesterday.
“The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) along with Hamad Medical Corporation and other healthcare entities are planning for another survey for diabetes prevalence in Qatar. However, the details are yet to be worked out and will be announced when it is finalised,” said Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director, Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA). Dr al-Hamaq was speaking to the media at a press conference to announce the details of the World Diabetes Day observed on November 14 annually with several programmes.
Dr Amel Adam, head of Healthcare, QDA and Katie Nahas, programme manager, QDA were also present on the occasion.
The previous Stewise Survey in Qatar was conducted in 2012 which found out that 16.7% of the population suffers from diabetes.
The theme for this year is ‘Diabetes: Protect Your Family’.
This November marks the second year of a two-year theme dedicated to the overall theme, ‘The Family and Diabetes’.
Research conducted by the International Diabetes Federation revealed than many parents would struggle to spot the warning signs of diabetes in their own children.
“Although the majority of people surveyed had a family member with diabetes, an alarming four-in-five parents would have trouble recognising the warning signs,” explained Dr Adam.
There will be a number of programmes and educational activities to raise awareness about the dangers of Diabetes.
“We have planned for a walk in the Oxygen Park in the Education City at Qatar Foundation on November 15. In addition there will be other activities such as workshops and awareness programmes throughout the first two weeks of November leading to the World Diabetes Day On November 14. We hope to educate the people about their food habits as well as their diet. This, we hope, will equip the people to fight diabetes and overcome the challenges posed by it,” noted Nahas.
Dr Hamaq pointed out that the number of people suffering from diabetes especially type 2 is going up all over the world.
“It is reported that about 400mn people are suffering from diabetes globally. What is needed is to counter the issue. We need to discover the issue and have to take steps to address it. The family support plays a crucial role in this regard. The next step is to take preventive measures to fight the disease,” added the official.