KUWAIT CITY, Dec 22: The Chairman of the Kuwait Diabetes Society and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Dr. Waleed Al- Dhahi, revealed alarming statistics reflecting the growing diabetes crisis in Kuwait, explaining that the disease currently affects about 25% of the population, with projections indicating an increase to 30% by 2050, compared to only 7% in the 1990s.

This came during an event organized by Roche Diagnostics on diabetes at The Avenues Mall – Phase Two, under the sponsorship of the Kuwait Diabetes Society, aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of early screening for the disease. In a press statement on this occasion, Dr. Al-Dhahi added that diabetes is particularly prevalent among those over the age of 60, with nearly two-thirds of this age group affected. He attributed this to several factors, most notably physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, smoking, and genetic predisposition. He stressed the importance of early screening, recommending HbA1c or fasting blood glucose testing every three to six months for patients with diabetes, and annually for individuals aged between 40 and 45 who carry risk factors for developing diabetes.

He said that advances in medical sensors supported by artificial intelligence have made these devices play a vital role in protecting patients with diabetes, as they provide accurate around-the-clock monitoring of glucose levels and enable early warnings of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia before reaching dangerous stages, particularly during nighttime hours. He explained that recent studies confirm that the use of these sensors contributes to improved disease control, lowering average HbA1c levels, and increasing the time glucose levels remain within the required healthy range, which may reduce the risk of chronic complications such as heart and kidney diseases, neuropathy, and diabetic foot. He added that the sensors also reduce the need for frequent finger pricks and support more accurate daily decision- making related to nutrition and physical activity, positively reflecting on patient adherence and quality of life. He emphasized that adopting continuous glucose monitoring technologies has become a key preventive option and an important element in enhancing patient safety and reducing the health and economic burden of diabetes on society. For its part, the organizing company (Roche Diagnostics Kuwait) stated that the initiative came as part of its efforts to raise community awareness about diabetes and encourage individuals to undergo early screening of blood glucose levels.

Mall visitors were given the opportunity to receive a free diabetes test and learn about the latest innovations in continuous glucose monitoring. The company added that the event witnessed wide public turnout, and participants who were found to have diabetes were provided with Accu-Chek SmartGuide – CGM devices to monitor glucose levels, helping them track their health status using artificial intelligence to accurately and continuously predict blood glucose levels and improve their daily quality of life. Roche Diagnostics affirmed that this event reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting national efforts to enhance health awareness in Kuwaiti society and to contributing to the dissemination of knowledge about the importance of early diagnosis and accurate follow-up for patients with diabetes. The company praised the fruitful cooperation with the Kuwait Diabetes Society, which contributed to the success of the event and the achievement of its awareness and health objectives, within the framework of a partnership aimed at empowering individuals to better manage their health through modern technologies and innovation.