Many of the treatments offered to diabetics lowered blood sugar levels, posing serious risks to patients, Stephen Fava, head of Mater Dei Hospital’s diabetes centre has warned.

Such medication was associated with increased risk of patients being involved in accidents, he said. In elderly people, in particular, it was associated with falls.

Untreated low blood sugar can cause confusion, clumsiness or fainting. Severe cases can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

“There is an urgent need to introduce new and safe medication to treat diabetes in the national formulary. Although there is a cost implication... this has to be balanced against their benefit in helping to achieve good blood glucose control and, therefore, reduce the risk of complications,” Prof. Fava said.

“Some of the newer anti-diabetes drugs have been shown to reduce mortality when compared to the older ones available in the local national formulary,” he noted.

There is an urgent need to introduce new and safe medication

He was among 17 stakeholders consulted and his recommendations were included in a report which the Parliamentary Working Group on Diabetes yesterday presented to the Speaker of the House, Anġlu Farrugia.

The report lists a number of proposals aimed at reducing the high incidence of the condition among the Maltese population.

Chaired by former health minister Godfrey Farrugia, the working group was set up on the initiative of Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and comprises 11 MPs. Six meetings were held since April and the stakeholders consulted included diabetic patients, NGOs and experts.

Malta has the second highest percentage of diabetics in the Mediterranean, surpassed only by Cyprus, with more than 30,000 adults known to be diabetic and another 8,000 adults believed to be undiagnosed diabetics.

In the case of type 2 diabetes, statistics show that the incidence in Europe accounts for 8.2 per cent of the population, compared to Malta’s 9.5 per cent.

The leading cause of death in Malta is cardiovascular disease and this accounts for 45 per cent of all deaths, with diabetes playing a major role as a contributing factor.

The mortality rate of diabetes as a direct cause of death hits the 3.4 per cent mark.

The report suggests a patient-centric legal framework, which guides healthcare providers.

“We have to transform our present strategy from ‘one size fits all’ to ‘one size fits one’ and redefine our health performance outcomes from one of medical diagnosis to one that is hallmarked by wellness goals,” the report notes.

It recommends that diabetic children should be better supported at school and regular reviews by dieticians, psychologists and social workers should be undertaken.

Treatment should be both pharmacological and psychological because diabetes can affect a patient’s mental health.

The report also suggests a national foot screening programme and health centre-based eye checks and laser treatment.

A national diabetes register which computerises all patient data and assembles an electronic record for each patient should also be set up.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is characterised by high blood glucose levels.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both result from insufficient insulin levels, which, in turn, keep glucose levels in check.

In type 1 diabetes, there is total or near total lack of insulin, usually because of auto immune pancreatic cell destruction.

Type 2 diabetes is more common and encompasses almost 90 per cent of people with the condition in Malta. In this type, there is insufficient insulin production and resistance to insulin action. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity, advancing age and inadequate physical activity; it usually occurs after the age of 40 although the age of onset is diminishing.

This type of diabetes can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle and oral drugs – insulin treatment may alsobe needed.

Diabetes can be complicated by heart disease and stroke, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage and foot damage. These complications can lead to serious disability and even early death.

Besides producing untold misery, diabetes puts a serious financial burden on society. Some cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or the onset delayed.