The number of people living with diabetes is expected to rise from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by 2030, according to a latest report of the International Diabetes Federation.
IDF has released the 5th edition of the Diabetes Atlas to mark World Diabetes Day 2011. Data from the global study indicate that In the Middle East and North Africa Region, 32.6 million or 9.1% of the population now have diabetes and this number is expected to double in less than 20 years. IDF estimates that there are as many as 19.2 million people still undiagnosed. The new regional figures also show that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the region for younger age groups is substantially higher than the global average.
The IDF anticipates that by 2030, 11% of the Middle East and North Africa region or 59.7 million people will be living with diabetes. Six out of the world’s top ten countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes are in the region.
“It is now more vital than ever that we adopt a multi-sectoral approach to tackling diabetes. We need to encourage governments in our countries to take a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach and encourage people, in particular parents, to educate themselves on the risks associated with diabetes and to know the signs,” Dr Amir-Kamran Nikousokhan Tayar, Chair of IDF’s Middle East and North Africa region said.
The regional figures echo the shocking increase in diabetes on a global level. “In every country and in every community worldwide, we are losing the battle against this cruel and deadly disease”, said Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the IDF.
“We want World Diabetes Day 2011 to bring these alarming diabetes facts into the global spotlight. We also hope that the World Diabetes Congress this December in Dubai will focus regional attention on this silent killer”.
The release of these figures follow the September meeting of 193 Heads of State and government at the UN in New York to agree on a Political Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes. This marks a major milestone for diabetes and NCDs. However in some areas, stronger commitments are needed.
IDF’s commitment to curbing the diabetes epidemic in the Middle East can be seen in their choice to hold the biennial World Diabetes Congress in Dubai from December 4-8. This Congress represents the only opportunity for the global diabetes community to unite in one place on a regular basis.
To keep awareness high in the month leading up to the Congress, IDF has launched its Check out for Diabetes Campaign, asking hotels in the region to contribute to IDF’s Life for a Child programme by placing a donation for each room occupied throughout the duration of the World Diabetes Congress.
It is hoped that campaigns such as World Diabetes Day will continue to raise the voice of people with diabetes and move advocacy to action on a global scale.