Thousands Reverse Pre-Diabetes in UAE

Thousands of UAE residents have successfully reversed pre-diabetes by adopting healthier lifestyles, as part of a year-long initiative that screened over 150,000 people for diabetes and pre-diabetes.

This accomplishment was announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on World Diabetes Day, marking a significant achievement in diabetes prevention and early detection.

Last October, health authorities collaborated with private organizations to launch a year-long initiative aimed at preventing diabetes among pre-diabetic individuals.

This involved conducting free mass screening programs at workplaces, followed by lifestyle interventions to lower diabetes risk factors.

During a 100-day campaign called “Show the Red Card to Diabetes,” over 12,000 residents were screened, far exceeding the initial target of 5,000 tests.

After the initial campaign, thousands were referred to clinics for lifestyle changes, leading UAE health authorities to set a new goal of screening 100,000 residents in a year.

The results of the 365-Day Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening Campaign were announced by Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Department at MoHAP. They surpassed their target by screening 150,624 individuals.

Among those screened, one-third were found to have abnormal blood glucose levels without knowing it, and more than a quarter were pre-diabetic.

Specifically, 27.3% had pre-diabetes, 6.5% had diabetes, and 66.2% had normal glucose levels. This equates to over 41,120 participants being identified as pre-diabetic.

The data showed that 67% of pre-diabetic individuals were aged between 36 and 60 years, with 24% aged between 18 and 35 years.

Only 6% of those over 60 were pre-diabetic. Gender-wise, pre-diabetic individuals were evenly split, with males making up 50.5% and females 49.5%.

Obesity was identified as a key factor in 36% of pre-diabetes cases. However, it was noted that 66% of pre-diabetic individuals were not obese, indicating that apparent physical fitness does not exempt one from risk.

Following a three-month follow-up, 37.1% of pre-diabetic patients returned to normal blood sugar levels, increasing to 37.5% after six months.

This means approximately 15,420 pre-diabetic individuals reversed their condition, preventing progression to diabetes.

Dr. Buthaina emphasized the ongoing nature of the campaign, aiming to integrate it into healthcare facilities to sustain universal screening.

With almost 10,000 young adults identified as pre-diabetic, she stressed the need for screening among 18 to 35-year-olds in partnership with universities and other institutions.

Sarrah Barakat, director of government and public affairs at Merck Gulf, the campaign's main private partner, aims to reach half a million people next year.

The company will continue offering free HbA1C tests to high-risk individuals to monitor average blood sugar levels over three months.

An A1C level below 5.7% is normal, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher signifies diabetes per CDC standards.

High risks for prediabetes include family history, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. “If your risk factor score exceeds five, you automatically receive a complimentary blood test,” Sarrah said.

She also mentioned that many university students have already been screened, considering it a priority.

“On average, individuals may unknowingly live with pre-diabetes or diabetes for seven years. It is crucial to catch them early and empower them to make informed health decisions,” she added.

Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Health Regulation Sector, MoHAP, stated that the campaign’s success goes beyond a milestone, reaffirming their commitment to proactive healthcare and addressing health challenges.

According to the 2018 National Health Survey, 11.81% of the UAE population has diabetes, with prediabetes affecting 11.7%. Prediabetes is a serious condition with elevated blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Over 80% of cases go undiagnosed, according to the CDC.

The campaign’s success was celebrated with events like lighting up the Dubai Frame in blue and laser and drone shows.

MoHAP highlighted its strategic partnerships with public and private sectors, presenting the campaign’s progress and achievements.

Source: gulfnews

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