Number of diabetics likely to increase by 20 per cent

The number of diabetics, which at present total 30,000 or so, is expected to increase by 20 per cent by 2025, according to the Maltese Diabetes Association.

Despite these alarming predictions Malta still had a void in the treatment of this condition and the association believes more information should be made available in clinics, local councils and schools to equip people with the necessary knowledge.

At least half of all people with diabetes are unaware of their condition.

Speaking at a press conference marking World Diabetes Day yesterday, association president Anna Zammit McKeon said the government should raise the age of those who were provided with blood glucose sticks provided by the Health Department. "This way patients can better control their sugar levels, as well as reduce the rate of complications and the cost which comes with it," she said.

Ms Zammit McKeon said that if the government invested in prevention it would reap greater benefits by reducing the strain which treating diabetes put on hospitals.

While thanking Health Minister Louis Deguara for his support, Ms Zammit McKeon said the government should intensify its education campaign to keep society informed on the symptoms of diabetes.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes is the fourth main cause of death in most developed countries and though there was no cure, effective treatment existed.

With a timely diagnosis, access to the appropriate medication, quality of care and good medical advice combined with a healthy lifestyle, a person with diabetes can lead an active life.

The federation had dedicated this year's theme to creating awareness on kidney complications which may arise as a result of diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the developed world and accounts for about 35 to 40 per cent of new cases each year.

For the first time, the association managed to elect one of its members, vice-president Chris Delicata, to the federation's board of the European region. This provided Malta with the opportunity to be around the decision-making table with other countries such as Israel, Germany, Denmark, the UK and Ireland.