Gozitans snub free diabetes test opportunity

Barely one per cent of Gozo’s population took advantage of free blood glucose level testing, highlighting the lack of knowledge about the health risks of diabetes. Only 304 people out of the Gozitan population of about 31,000 visited a pharmacy to test their blood glucose levels during the first phase of a diabetes campaign in Gozo.

“The number is deemed very low and rather disappointing considering that this is a health awareness campaign and the tests were being offered free of charge,” said pharmacist Gordon Zammit from Vivian Corporation, which organised the campaign.

The exercise followed the outcome of a study by the company showing that regular blood glucose monitoring helped people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively.

Diabetes, that affects about 246 million people worldwide, is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

The two-phase project started in September when Gozitans were invited to check their blood glucose level at any of Gozo’s 18 pharmacies. The second stage of testing will take place between Monday and November 14 when those who did the first test will be invited to take another one, also for free. This will allow glucose levels to be monitored over a two-month period. Those who did not do the first test will also be able to check their levels for free this month.

Mr Zammit noted that the average age of those who did the test stood at 55. Out of the 94 people who had not eaten in the previous six to eight hours, and who were considered to be in a fasting condition, 20 per cent had glucose levels above normal. Results for those who had eaten more recently, showed that 16 per cent had above normal levels. It will take further tests to determine whether those who had higher than normal levels were in fact diabetics. Those who turn up for a second test will get an indication as to whether their glucose levels are still high but will still have to undergo more tests to determine if they suffer from diabetes. Mr Zammit stressed that the aim of the campaign was to raise awareness as prevention was key in combating diabetes. “We urge all Gozitans to take part as we must not pretend that the risk is not there. Knowing is the best tool to safeguard one’s future without complications,” he said.

The campaign is being conducted with the support of Accu-Chek Active, a blood glucose meter produced by Roche Diagnostics and distributed in Malta by Vivian Corporation.

Understanding diabetes

About 10 per cent of the Maltese population suffer from some form of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, can occur at any age but it is often diagnosed in children, adolescents or young adults. Insulin is a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas and is needed to move blood sugar, or glucose, into cells, where it is stored and later used for energy.

In Type 1 diabetes, these cells produce little or no insulin. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy. This leads to a series of symptoms that include fatigue, getting very thirsty, urinating more often, weight loss, blurry eyesight, shaking, sweating and nausea. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset, results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It comprises 90 per cent of people with diabetes around the world and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1 diabetes but are often less marked. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after onset, once complications have already arisen. Until recently, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring among children.