The fact that Malta has the second highest rate of obesity in under 18-year-olds among 22 European countries is very worrying as it could lead to Type 2 diabetes in children and young people, a condition usually associated with older people, according to diabetes clinic head Joseph Azzopardi.
He explained that about half the people who will eventually suffer from Type 2 diabetes could avoid this condition by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Speaking during a press conference organised on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, which is marked globally tomorrow, Prof. Azzopardi explained that if a person who weighed 100 kilogrammes lost 10, he would "drastically" reduce the chance of getting diabetes.
Although there are no current statistics about the number of people who suffer from diabetes in Malta, a national study carried out 20 years ago showed that 10 per cent of over 18-year-olds suffered from diabetes. Prof. Azzopardi said that while World Health Organisation statistics show that there are about 190 million diabetics globally, this figure is expected to reach 300 million in 20 years' time.
Although people who have Type 1 diabetes realise almost immediately they have a health problem, the same cannot be said for Type 2 diabetes. Prof. Azzopardi said it was very worrying that certain people did not feel any symptoms and lived without treating diabetes for years. This was very dangerous since diabetes could lead to complications like blindness, cardiovascular problems and kidney problems.
"There are times when a person who does not know he is diabetic is diagnosed with diabetes-related complications which we know do not appear until five years from the onset of the problem," he explained.
Because of the lack of symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, Prof. Azzopardi stressed the importance of people undergoing regular tests. He said those over 40 years should check whether they are diabetic once a year but if they have a family history of diabetes checks should start earlier.
As part of the activities of World Diabetes Day, the Maltese Diabetes Association organised sessions of free blood glucose monitoring which were held in different localities. Association president Anna Zammit McKeon said a number of people who made use of this initiative were found to have a high level of blood glucose and referred to their doctor. Free blood glucose testing is being held today at Bay Street and next Saturday in Gozo.
Ms McKeon stressed the importance of people trying to avoid the onset of diabetes especially through targeting obesity. In fact, this year the theme chosen for World Diabetes Day is obesity.
"Changes in lifestyle, healthy food and exercise are important to overcome diabetes," she said.
Ms McKeon stressed the importance of schools giving more importance to physical education.
Labour health spokesman Michael Farrugia said the mentality that fat children were sweet needed to be changed.
He asked whether in future diabetics would still be entitled to the pink card - which entitles the holder to certain types of medicines following a means test. He said certain diabetes sufferers frequently asked why they were given a limited number of syringes while drug addicts could get as many as they wanted.
Nationalist MP Michael Asciak steered away from politics but stressed the importance of diabetics being given the necessary financial support.