ID :
305113
Thu, 10/31/2013 - 09:09
Auther :

Diabetes patients on the rise

BANGKOK, October 31 (TNA) - The number of diabetes patients in Thailand has exceeded 3.5 million and it is expected to reach 4.7 million by 2021, costing the Kingdom about 47.6 million baht each year for diabetes treatment. According to Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintawanarong, the latest survey conducted in 2009 found that there had been more than 3.5 million people with diabetes in Thailand, nearly 8,000 of whom had averagely died annually. Dr. Pradit acknowledged the survey also found that diabetes cases among Thai children were increasing due to their lifestyles and eating habits. Dr. Pradit warned that the number of diabetes patients nationwide is likely to reach 4.7 million over the next eight years if there is no effective prevention measure. To educate and raise awareness among the public of the disease and the prevention, the minister said his ministry, in collaboration with the Diabetes Association of Thailand, has planned to organize activities marking the World Diabetes Day, which falls on every November 14, under the theme “Diabetes: Protect Our Future”, in line with the theme of the Geneva-based World Health Organization’s 2008-2013 campaign, entitled “Diabetes Education and Prevention”. Starting from 2014, the Thai health minister noted, his ministry will also provide diabetes screening services and guidances against diabetes for people aged 15 upwards at health centers nationwide. Meanwhile, the number of diabetes patients worldwide has exceeded 371 million and it is estimated to reach 552 million by 2030, 80 per cent of whom are expected to be in under developed and developing countries. (TNA)

X