Health Ministry: 25% of adults in Kuwait have diabetes, 20% are pre-diabetic

The Ministry of Health, represented by the Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit at Al-Farwaniya Hospital, launched an awareness campaign at The Avenues Mall in observance of World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14 each year. The campaign, under the theme “Early Detection of Diabetes,” was adopted by the International Diabetes Federation to raise public awareness and empower individuals to access accurate, reliable medical information.

Dr. Salasil Al-Ansari, Consultant of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, and Head of the Unit, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that approximately 25 percent of adults in Kuwait are living with diabetes, while another 20 percent are at the threshold of developing the disease, classified as prediabetic. This means that roughly one in every two individuals is either diabetic or in the prediabetic stage.

She emphasized that the danger of diabetes lies in its silent nature; if undiagnosed and inadequately treated from the outset, it can lead to severe complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, stroke, heart disease, fatty liver, and other health issues.

Noting that within the first few hours of the one-day exhibition (from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.), six previously undiagnosed cases of diabetes were identified among attendees.

Regarding risk factors, Dr. Al-Ansari warned about the high rates of obesity and overweight in Kuwait, identifying them as the primary drivers of rising diabetes prevalence. She stated that between 75 and 76 percent of the population, including children, suffer from overweight or obesity.

She stressed the importance of mitigating risk factors through improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and adopting a generally healthy lifestyle, reiterating that “a ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” which reflects the core objectives of today’s awareness campaign.

For her part, Dr. Bathina Al-Mohammed, Consultant of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Al-Farwaniya Hospital, told KUNA in a similar statement the importance of early diabetes detection, noting that early diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing its health complications.

Dr. Al-Mohammed explained that Al-Farwaniya Hospital organized the awareness event for visitors to The Avenues Mall to enhance community awareness about diabetes, its types, risks, diagnostic methods, and prevention strategies. The event included diabetes education, blood pressure and body mass index measurements, HbA1c testing, and consultations with the Nutrition and Clinical Pharmacy departments. Additionally, the Lazingen Health Club participated by providing fitness advice to help attendees adopt healthier lifestyles.