BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Xinhua): Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges to Brunei's healthcare and economy, Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar, the country's health minister, has said.
The International Diabetes Foundation reported that 11.1% of adults aged 20 to 75 in Brunei have diabetes, exceeding the global average of 9.1%, the minister said on Sunday at an event commemorating World Diabetes Day, which falls on Nov 14 globally every year.
In the case of diabetes, early detection and diagnosis is the key to preventing complications, he said, adding that raising awareness of diabetes is also important as it enables the public to understand the risks of diabetes so that preventive measures can be taken.
The minister also said most cases of diabetes are type 2, which are usually associated with unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and obesity.
"Obesity is one of the risk factors for developing diabetes. The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, including in Brunei. The Sultanate has one of the highest obesity rates in South-East Asia, averaging at 32% in 2022 compared to 8.2% in 1990," the minister added.
