- Physician attributes the high rates to several factors, most notably smoking and physical inactivity, stressing the critical importance of early detection.
- Al-Dahi advised regular screening through HbA1c or fasting blood sugar tests every three to six months for patients, and annual testing for individuals aged between 40 and 45 who have risk factors for the disease.
Dr. Waleed Al-Dahi, Head of the Kuwaiti Diabetes Association and Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, has warned of a sharp rise in diabetes rates in Kuwait, describing the figures as alarming.
He said diabetes currently affects around 25 percent of the population, a dramatic increase from just 7 percent in the 1990s, with projections indicating the prevalence could reach 30 percent by 2050.
Speaking at a diabetes awareness event organized by the Kuwait Diabetes Association, Al-Dahi noted that the disease is particularly widespread among people aged over 60, with nearly two-thirds of this age group living with diabetes.
This came during an event organized by Roche Diagnostics on diabetes at The Avenues Mall – Phase Two, under the sponsorship of the Kuwait Diabetes Society, aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of early screening for the disease.
He attributed the high rates to several factors, most notably smoking and physical inactivity, stressing the critical importance of early detection.
Al-Dahi advised regular screening through HbA1c or fasting blood sugar tests every three to six months for patients, and annual testing for individuals aged between 40 and 45 who have risk factors for the disease.
He also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence-powered medical sensors in diabetes care, noting that these devices provide continuous, accurate monitoring of blood sugar levels and issue early warnings of dangerous highs or lows, particularly during nighttime hours.
According to Al-Dahi, recent studies show that the use of such sensors helps reduce average HbA1c levels and increases the amount of time blood sugar remains within the recommended range, thereby lowering the risk of chronic complications such as heart and kidney disease and diabetic foot.
He added that continuous glucose monitoring reduces the need for frequent finger pricking and supports more precise daily decisions related to diet and physical activity, improving treatment adherence and quality of life.
Al-Dahi emphasized that adopting continuous monitoring technologies has become a key preventive measure, contributing to patient safety and helping to reduce the health and economic burden of diabetes on society.
Roche Diagnostics affirmed that this event reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting national efforts to enhance health awareness in Kuwaiti society and to contributing to the dissemination of knowledge about the importance of early diagnosis and accurate follow-up for patients with diabetes. The company praised the fruitful cooperation with the Kuwait Diabetes Society, which contributed to the success of the event and the achievement of its awareness and health objectives, within the framework of a partnership aimed at empowering individuals to better manage their health through modern technologies and innovation.
