"Al-Saqr Health Center": Diabetes affects 25.6% of adults
The head of Al-Saqr Health Center confirms that the diabetes rate in Kuwait has risen to 25.6%, stressing the importance of prevention.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Dr. Sanaa Al-Ali, Head of the Al-Saqer Specialized Health Center and Chair of the Committee for Combating Chronic Diseases in the Capital Health Region, confirmed that Kuwait is facing a health challenge related to the high prevalence of diabetes, with international estimates indicating that the prevalence rate among adults in the country reached approximately 25.6 percent in 2024, meaning roughly one in every four adults. This underscores the importance of intensifying national efforts in awareness, prevention, and continuous follow-up.
In a statement, Al-Ali said that World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, represents an important opportunity to enhance health awareness and highlight the importance of prevention and early detection, as well as the need to develop health services to reduce complications associated with the disease. She noted that diabetes is one of the most prominent health challenges globally, with worldwide statistics showing that the number of adults affected reached approximately 589 million in 2024, equivalent to one in every nine people, with projections estimating an increase to around 853 million by 2050.
She clarified that these local figures reflect the magnitude of the responsibility borne by the health system, pointing out that diabetes care is no longer limited to controlling blood sugar levels but has evolved into a comprehensive approach that includes protecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, as well as managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, alongside early detection of complications.
She emphasized that primary healthcare centers serve as the cornerstone in combating the disease through regular patient follow-up, enhancing the role of the integrated medical team, developing electronic follow-up systems, and improving the quality of health services provided.
For his part, Dr. Hamed Hafeela, Head of the Internal Medicine Department and organizer of the event, stated that this year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Early Action for Diabetes,” reflects the importance of identifying the disease and determining individuals at highest risk, and intervening at the appropriate time to reduce complications. This involves promoting healthy lifestyles that include balanced nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, while ensuring regular check-ups, especially among high-risk groups.
He stressed that true success in combating diabetes is not measured by the number of medical visits, but by the health system’s ability to prevent complications and improve patients’ quality of life. He highlighted the need for coordinated health and community efforts to achieve this goal, noting that organizing this event annually reflects the center’s commitment to raising community awareness about the disease and emphasizing the importance of early detection, prevention, and regular health follow-up, thereby contributing to reducing the spread of the disease and its complications.
