Given the lifestyle in the UAE, with air-conditioned spaces all around, an exorbitant variety of food, and so much available at our doorstep, it can be a challenge to understand what suits us best and what doesn’t. On World Diabetes Day, we’re highlighting some of the key concerns that are frequently discussed in the UAE and the Middle East. Are the rising cases of diabetes a result of lifestyle changes? What factors are majorly contributing to the increasing number of diabetes cases?
Dr. Lal David, MD in Internal Medicine, Dip Diabetes (UK), Physician and Diabetologist, Medical Director at New Apollo Polyclinic in Dubai’s Karama, highlights that diabetes is increasing in young teens aged 10 to 20 years in the UAE and the Middle East, mainly due to the “lifestyle patterns of children.”
“Type 1 diabetes is genetic, while Type 2 diabetes is acquired, due to obesity, which causes insulin resistance. Obesity comes from refined sugars and junk foods. Many people coming from Southeast Asia, different parts of India, and other Asian countries adopt the sedentary lifestyle in the UAE and put on weight,” he says.
Dr. David further notes, “Adolescent diabetes and pre-diabetes are increasing in the UAE compared to previous years. Sometimes, even if a child’s mother is diabetic, the child may be prone to developing Type 1 diabetes.”
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Studies suggest that the UAE is a hub of consumerism, with endless products available in the market. The doctor admits that this is when the lifestyle shift occurs, leading to weight gain and, consequently, Type 2 diabetes.
He further explains that diabetes can normally develop between the ages of 13 and 14, and many cases are detected when children are around 17 or 18 years old. He believes that lifestyle changes aggravate when children go to college or higher education institutions, which contributes to the rising trend of obesity.
“Low vitamin D levels are also one of the causes. Parents must be properly educated about this. If children develop diabetes at a younger age, they are more likely to experience complications in middle age as this disease affects multiple organs, including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and autonomic nervous system,” he adds.
There are more complications for females, if they develop diabetes at 18 or 19 years old – they are at risk of gestational diabetes, and their child may also develop the same. The doctor advises that parents need to receive proper training on providing a balanced diet and encouraging physical activity for their children.
More so, given his 25 years of experience, Dr. David believes that conducting annual blood sugar check-ups in schools will help detect diabetes early. With proper advice on diet, exercise, and treatment, the condition can be managed effectively. Activities such as playing football, volleyball, or other indoor sports can help children stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, given the country remains hot for most months of the year.
