The newly elected president and committee members of the Ghaqda Maltija kontra d-Dijabete yesterday paid a courtesy visit on President Guido de Marco at the Palace in Valletta.

The meeting focused on the concern expressed by the organisation at the fact that cases of diabetes in Malta were now reaching alarming proportions.

The Ghaqda Maltija kontra d-Dijabete has about 1,000 affiliated members and regularly provides education and support to individuals suffering from diabetes.

This service is also offered to other individuals seeking advice and information.

The committee members sounded their concern at the increasing number of cases of diabetes in Malta, which total about 30,000.

Organisation vice-president Henry Mifsud said that the recent survey published by the World Health Organisation, which showed that Malta was in the lead for the highest number of overweight children, was a potential step in the wrong direction.

While expressing hope that more individuals will undergo tests in order to avoid future complications, the organisation highlighted the need for the authorities to focus more on prevention rather than cure.

Prof. de Marco praised the work being done by the organisation and also underlined the importance of prevention.

He stressed the need for education to help reduce the risk of contracting diabetes.

The Ghaqda Maltija kontra d-Dijabete is made up of sufferers and their close relatives.

Newly elected president Mary Anne Zammit McKeon, who led the delegation, is the organisation`s first woman occupying the post.