As the prevalence of diabetes is on the increase, worldwide diabetes experts say early diagnosis could easily be accomplished through blood testing.

“This, coupled with the appropriate treatment to lower blood sugar, would reduce the risk of complications,” said diabetologist Stephen Fava while speaking at a recent diabetes conference, organised by the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and PR consultancy Narrative Structures.

Diabetologist Josanne Vassallo called for diabetes screening.

Malta has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the world, and the World Health Organisation has been warning that unless urgent action is taken, diabetes-related deaths will increase by more than 50 per cent in the next 10 years.

Guest speaker Nebojsa Lalic warned that diabetes is the no. 1 cause of blindness in Europe, end-stage renal disease, non-traumatic amputation, neuropathy in adults and is present in two-thirds of people who have had a heart attack.

The well-attended conference was a sign that people are interested in learning more about this condition. “A good attendance at events such as this convinces me that people want to know more about diabetes, it is very encouraging,” Prof. Fava said.

The event was closed by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who emphasised the need for awareness on this condition from a young age as those children who are suffering from this condition require support, even from their school friends.

The event was also supported by the EPP Group in the European Parliament, the French Embassy in Malta, the Malta Diabetes Association, Plan H-Health Eats, YUE Healthier Living and media partner Times of Malta.