Diabetes Society of Maldives has stated 8.3 percent of the Maldivian population have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Programme Coordinator at the Diabetes Society of Maldives Dr. Ali Shian said statistics show the number of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes diagnoses are of the same number in Maldives. Type 2 diabetes is usually found in adults, while Type 1 is a relatively rare condition among children.
Noting some diabetes patients are unaware they have the condition, Dr. Shian noted in a trend that mirrors the global attitude, more young people are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He attributed the trend to the increasing amounts of sugary foods served both at eateries and at family homes.
The Diabetes Society of Maldives has planned several special activities for November 14, which is marked across the world as World Diabetes Day. The International Diabetes Federation has announced the theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019 is, "The Family and Diabetes.''