Diabetes patients have to be empowered to monitor their condition regularly, according to Health Ministry Parliamentary Assistant Peter Micallef.

Speaking at a conference on diabetes, organised by Vivian Corporation on behalf of Roche Diabetes Care, Dr Micallef expressed the importance of empowering diabetics to take active and effective control.

Only about seven per cent of diabetics managed to keep their blood glucose values at the recommended therapy targets, the corporation said. This was not only due to poor self-discipline but also because of lack of information because many patients simply did not know how best to manage their diabetes.

The consequences of poor blood sugar control can include anything from stroke, kidney failure, blindness or heart attacks.

According to the European Health Interview Survey, over nine per cent of Maltese knew they had diabetes and six per cent were being treated medically for it. However, the numbers are believed to be far higher than that.