Brunei - Diabetes third leading cause of death in Brunei

Minister calls for lifestyle changes

AFTER every 7 seconds, one person dies from diabetes, in a year, this equals to 4 million people who succumb to the deadly disease, according to a report by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released in 2011.

Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof quoted these statistic yesterday in a World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2011 event, held at the Health Promotion Centre.

"Diabetes involves high health care cost, loss of workers' productivity and affects economic growth," said Health Minister in his speech as guest of honour.

Following the IDF report 2011, 366 million people suffers from diabetes and 280 million worldwide are expected to be affected with this disease. The number of people with diabetes is set to increase to 552 million while 398 million would be at high risk if no action is taken by 2030.

The Minister said that millions of people are suffering from complications related to diabetes such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. In addition to that, diabetes has a negative impact to other sickness and diseases and mental health.

"The global concern towards diabetes are shared and experienced by Brunei. It is estimated 12 per cent of citizens and population in Brunei suffers from diabetes," said the minister.

"Since 2001, diabetes is the third leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease where in 2010 alone, 100 diabetes patients have died."

According to 'Consensus Statement' from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes and obesity are inter-related where studies have shown 85 per cent of children suffering from Type II disease are overweight when diagnosed with diabetes.

"In Brunei, nearly 1 in 3 youth are overweight or obese. It cannot be denied that weight problem and lack of physical activity are two of the main risk factor that can cause Type II diabetes," said the minister.

"This is one of the worrying phenomenon where increasing number of children in Brunei are diagnosed with diabetes. 20 years ago, diabetes at such young age was rare." he said.

The Minister said the children and adolescent diagnosed with diabetes have a higher risk of complications. "What is unfortunate, some in their 20s are already suffering from diabetes complications... this can affect productivity and their contribution towards the country's economy," he said.

On the symptoms of diabetes such as thirst, frequent urination or drastic weight loss, the minister said these symptoms need to be paid attention to and addressed.

"I would like to take this opportunity to call the public to advice those with symptoms or has high risk factor to go for medical check up to get clarification or further advice. This is one of the most effective and cost-effective methods for prevention of diabetes," he said.

The minister maintained that the patients have an important responsibility in taking care of their health to prevent the complications or a more chronic condition.

"Patients have to maintain a healthy lifestyle by doing a fixed physical activity and practicing a healthy diet. Take medication on time and adhere to doctor's advice," said the minister.

"Without sharing and understanding between patients and health professionals, the treatment and control of diabetes at an optimum level is hard to achieve."

According to the Health Minister, diabetes is a big challenge to health and development in the 21st century where 'diabetes is categorised at a crisis level as the number of patients is increasing.

Henceforth, the prevention and control of diabetes disease is a main priority for MoH. According to the minister, MoH pays serious attention to diabetes in Brunei, considering the risk factors that burdens the individual, family, society and country.

"It is an appropriate theme for WDD to 'Act on Diabetes. Now.' as the theme stressed on the importance of every individual to take action and not delay efforts in the prevention, controlling and treatment of this disease," said the minister.

The event yesterday was organised by MoH in cooperation with Butra Heidelberg Cement.

The theme for WDD for 2009-2013 is 'Diabetes Education and Prevention' and the slogan for the year 2011 is 'Act Now!'.

MUN FUNG

BRUNEI-MUARA

The Brunei Times

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