CAIRO: The number of diabetics worldwide is expected to rise from 200 million to 380 million by next year, said Minister of Health Hatem Al-Gabaly at a press conference during the United Nations World Diabetes Day conference Nov. 14. Statistics show that 48 percent of women over 45 suffer from diabetes, which affects only 18.7 percent of men over 45. Al-Gabaly said that the percentage of children - including children under six - and adolescents suffering from diabetes has reached three percent and is expected to increase to five percent. The numbers are shocking, said Al-Gabaly, who added that the diseases prevalent in Egypt now are the same as in developing nations. According to Al-Gabaly, chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes have replaced the communicable diseases that spread during the 60s in Egypt. The main reason behind the spread of the disease in Egypt is malnutrition and a lack of awareness about nutrition and exercise, he said. He also said that 18 percent of Egyptians are of short stature and are more likely to be overweight, which increases their chances of becoming diabetic. The Ministry of Health is in the process of launching a media campaign aimed at raising awareness about the disease, its effects and how it can be avoided. The ministry is also providing free insulin shots for insured children with diabetes. According to Al-Gabaly, the Ministry of Health is putting a lot of effort in improving the public health and raising awareness about the severe illnesses though a national project. The ministry is providing equipment for the early detection of breast cancer and equipment to measure blood pressure. It is also providing insulin shots to patients with diabetes in different centers available around Egypt, Al-Gabaly said. According to Al-Gabaly, the ministry plans to establish an information center about the different chronic illnesses as well as accurate statistics on patients. The three-day conference featured a Health Zone for patients suffering from diabetes where they can undergo all the needed tests, get educated about the illness, and eat healthy food, as well as a play room for diabetic children where they can draw and play. The conference, held at the Cairo International Conference Center, included lectures given by specialized doctors and was attended by many doctors, pharmacists and medical experts. Diabetes is considered one of the most serious diseases as it can affect the eyes, the blood capillaries, the kidneys, and the nervous system. Diabetes was discovered in Egypt in 1552 BC by an Egyptian physician called Hossy Raah. Insulin was discovered in 1921 by four European doctors.
