Even though Malta is bang in the centre of the Mediterranean, it is one which least keeps to the healthy Mediterranean diet, Health Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne said this morning.

Photo: Jason Borg

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation document for the National Strategy for Diabetes 2015-2020, Mr Fearne said that two thirds of Type 2 diabetes cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and by slashing the rate of obesity.

Sticking to the Mediterranean diet would decrease the rate of diabetes by at least 20 per cent, he said.

Neville Calleja from the steering committee explained that the strategy aimed to implement measures to prevent diabetes, expand treatment options and improve integrated management of diabetes so as to prevent or postpone the onset of diabetes-related complications.

Research shows that the average age of death for diabetics in Malta is 69 years for males and 79 years for females compared with 77 and 82 years respectively for non-diabetics.

The issues identified in the document include protocols for medicines and medical supplies, increasing human resources, screening of eye and foot complications, setting up a national diabetes register as well as lifelong patient and family education and support.

Patients enrolled in the national register will receive regular follow-ups through the diabetes clinic. Further support will be given through a diabetes helpline and a multidisciplinary team for complicated cases.

The public is invited to send in recommendations on consultations.meh-health@gov.mt by May 16.