Raising awareness of diabetes

THE incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions across the globe, causing the World Health Organisation (WHO) to name the disease as its focus for World Health Day on April 7.

About 350 million people worldwide have diabetes, and according to WHO the figure is likely to double in the next 20 years. 

Through the World Health Day campaign, WHO is pushing for greater awareness of diabetes as well as better prevention and treatment.

Health organisations around the world will join the campaign, and Medcare GP clinics on the Costa Blanca are doing their bit with diabetes tests for just €1 and a free diabetes information meeting with a top diabetes nurse.

Medcare GP, Dr Najma Hussain said: “It is vital that people with diabetes get the correct healthcare and advice as the disease can lead to serious complications if not well managed. But it is even more important that the disease is diagnosed in the first instance as millions worldwide are unaware they even have diabetes, exposing themselves to serious health risks.”

If left untreated diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, blindness, amputation and kidney failure. In 2012, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths.

Medcare’s €1 diabetes tests will be available for the whole of April, as their doctors want to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the test. 

Dr Hussain added: “Around 90 per cent of diabetes cases are type two diabetes, which is strongly linked to lifestyle. Better awareness of diabetes and risk factors could delay or prevent many cases. Sometimes adopting a good diet and the right lifestyle can even reverse diabetes.” There is good evidence that a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding smoking will dramatically reduce the risk of developing diabetes. 

At Medcare’s free diabetic meeting on April 18, with visiting specialist UK diabetes nurse Dorothy Cook, you can learn more about all aspects of the disease from causes to prevention, management and latest research on living with diabetes. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are diabetic, have a loved one with the disease or just want to know more. Just go along to the clinic at C/del Sol, 2, Benijofar at 2pm.

Private consultations with Dorothy are available for a small fee but must be booked with Medcare in advance.

To book a €1 diabetes test during April or book an appointment with Dorothy call Medcare on 966 860 258 or email doctors@medcarespain.com.