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Diabetes

The incidence of diabetes in Qatar is increasing significantly compared to regional and international rates. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated the global prevalence of diabetes at about 10% in adults over 25 years, with the highest rates in the Middle East and the Americas (11% for both sexes). Of adults in Qatar have diabetes.

(Source: STEPS Survey 2012)

Health Implications of Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than others, and nearly half of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease. Additional health complications of diabetes include leg ulcers that may worsen to require limb amputation, and vision problems caused by chronic damage to the blood vessels and kidney failure. Diabetes also adversely affects the quality of life of people with diabetes, requiring lifelong monitoring and treatment.

Health Goals Associated With Diabetes

• Incorporate public awareness and disease prevention activities that focus on specific groups of the population
• Implement a national medical screening program to identify people most at risk of developing diabetes in cooperation with primary health care centers
• Implementing an annual health plan that includes all individuals diagnosed with diabetes