Diabetes one of Brunei's main challenges, says Health Minister


  • Brunei
  • Monday, 13 Nov 2023

Brunei's Minister of Health Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar. — Borneo Bulletin/ANN

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Diabetes is one of the biggest challenge for Brunei’s healthcare and economy. The International Diabetes Foundation reported that 11.1% of diabetes cases in the Sultanate are among adults aged 20 to 75, exceeding the global average of 9.1%.

Minister of Health Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar said this during an event marking World Diabetes Day at The Mall in Gadong yesterday.

The minister stressed that for diabetes, early detection and diagnosis are crucial in preventing complications, hence the Ministry of Health is committed to provide the best diabetes treatment to the population.

Dr Mohd Isham said awareness on diabetes is important as it allows the public to understand the risks and thus take preventive measures.

“Most diabetes cases are Type 2, often linked to lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities and obesity,” said the minister.

Dr Mohd Isham also shared local statistics, such as one in four diabetes patients developing foot ulcer subsequently requires amputation; the rate of diabetic retinopathy has gone from 18% to 22.9% over the past two decades; severe diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy are at 6.3%, double the rate reported in 2015; and 70% of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis have been diagnosed with diabetes.

“Obesity is one of the risk factors for developing diabetes. The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, including Brunei. The Sultanate has one of the highest obesity rates in Southeast Asia averaging at 32% in 2022 compared to 8.2% in 1990.

“With these concerning statistics, we need to take proactive steps to increase awareness, prevention and access to diabetes treatment,” said the minister.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Brunei , diabetes , health , policy , economy

Next In Aseanplus News

Taiwanese actress Joe Chen accompanies husband back to Malaysia for CNY
Erdogan to visit Indonesia's Prabowo this week
Two wild elephants relocated from Orang Asli village
Eight-year-old fatally stabbed at Daejeon school, teacher wounded
Senior citizen survives fall from elevated car park in Cheras
Hair claw clip pierces woman’s head after traffic accident in Chengdu
Korea, Laos mark 30 years of development ties with Official Development Assistance seminar
DPMs extend Thaipusam greetings, emphasise unity in diversity
Barbie Hsu's ex husband Wang Xiaofei reportedly cuts ties with mum following Taiwanese star's death
China imposing additional tariffs on some goods from US starting Monday (Feb 10)

Others Also Read