Diabetes is one of the biggest challenge for Brunei’s healthcare and economy. The International Diabetes Foundation reported that 11.1 per cent of diabetes cases in the Sultanate are among adults aged 20 to 75, exceeding the global average of 9.1 per cent.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji 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.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji 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.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji 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 per cent to 22.9 per cent over the past two decades; severe diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy are at 6.3 per cent, double the rate reported in 2015; and 70 per cent 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 per cent in 2022 compared to 8.2 per cent in 1990.
“With these concerning statistics, we need to take proactive steps to increase awareness, prevention and access to diabetes treatment,” said the minister. – Rokiah Mahmud
