Med. diet can prevent diabetes but few bother

Preventing diabetes requires modifying lifestyles, especially since the prevalence of the disease in Malta is among the highest in the world, according to Stephen Fava, head of Mater Dei Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Centre.

“Evidence shows the prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Malta. We are leading a sedentary lifestyle and as a country not only are we eating more but we’re going for the wrong food,” Prof. Fava said, in the wake of a nationwide monitoring initiative that forms part of a campaign to tackle diabetes through prevention.

People were last week invited to test their blood glucose levels for free at six polyclinics, the offices of three local councils and at three shopping arcades.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Maltese Diabetes Association and the Diabetes and Endocrine Centre in collaboration with ATG Limited, local representatives of One Touch Meters.

Malta Diabetes Association president Anna Zammit McKeon said the campaign was aimed at collecting more information about the incidence of diabetes in Malta.

She said 11.8 per cent of the population had diabetes but there were others who had yet to be diagnosed. It was important that people, especially those over 35, have their glucose levels tested every year.

If untreated, diabetes is a very serious and potentially fatal disease. Complications of diabetes include problems with kidneys, nerves, feet and eyes. Other long-term problems can lead to skin and digestive problems, sexual dysfunction and problems with teeth and gums.

Fortunately, the risk can be effectively reduced by proper medical care. But prevention, as always, is better than cure.

“The most important preventive measure is a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a diet with a reduced amount of fat and sugar. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy one but few of us follow it,” Prof. Fava said.

The consumption of fat and sugar is high in Malta while exercise is scarce.

Those who did not make it to one of the 12 free screening venues can visit the Maltese Diabetes Association headquarters at 111, Melita Street, Valletta on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.