Diabetes in Kuwait: 1 in 2 People Affected or at Risk, Doctor Warns

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 14: Nearly one in every two people in Kuwait is either living with diabetes or at risk of developing the disease, with around 25 percent of adults already diagnosed and another 20 percent classified as pre-diabetic, a senior medical official has warned.

Dr. Salsabeel Al-Ansari, Head of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit at Farwaniya Hospital and Consultant in Internal Medicine, disclosed the figures during an awareness campaign organized by the hospital's Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit at The Avenues Mall on Saturday, marking World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Ansari said approximately 25 percent of adults in Kuwait have diabetes, while another 20 percent are in the pre-diabetic stage, placing them at increased risk of developing the disease.

The awareness campaign, held under the slogan "Early Detection of Diabetes," aims to promote public awareness and provide accurate medical information about the disease and the importance of early diagnosis.

Al-Ansari warned that diabetes is often a silent disease, with many people unaware of their condition until complications develop. Without early diagnosis and effective treatment, it can lead to serious health problems, including diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, strokes, heart attacks and fatty liver disease.

She revealed that within the first few hours of the exhibition, six people were identified as having diabetes despite being previously unaware of their condition.

Obesity a Major Risk Factor

Al-Ansari also highlighted the alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity in Kuwait, identifying them as major contributing factors behind the rising incidence of diabetes.

She said approximately 75 to 76 percent of the population, including children, are either overweight or obese.

She stressed the importance of reducing these risk factors through healthier eating habits, regular physical activity and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Emphasizing that prevention is better than cure, Al-Ansari urged the public to undergo regular screening and take advantage of early detection opportunities to prevent the disease and its potentially serious complications.