Kuwait’s diabetes mortality rate doubles global average, hits 7%
The total number of deaths from diabetes in 2021 increased by 35 percent compared to 2017, with the majority occurring in the age group of 60 years and older, totaling 424 cases.
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Oman had the highest mortality rate at eight percent, followed by Kuwait at seven percent, Qatar at six percent, the UAE at five percent, Saudi Arabia at three percent, and Bahrain at two percent.
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The report noted an increasing number of school-age children diagnosed with diabetes, with over 50% also having type-2 diabetes and morbid obesity.
A recent report by the Audit Bureau highlighted that “Kuwait’s diabetes-related mortality rate stands at seven percent, surpassing the global average of three percent”, according to Al Rai newspaper.
The annual report from the Bureau of the Performance Control Department on the effectiveness of efforts to reduce diabetes spread in Kuwait revealed that Kuwait ranked second among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in terms of mortality rate.
Oman had the highest mortality rate at eight percent, followed by Kuwait at seven percent, Qatar at six percent, the UAE at five percent, Saudi Arabia at three percent, and Bahrain at two percent.
The report indicated that the total number of deaths from diabetes in 2021 increased by 35 percent compared to 2017, with the majority occurring in the age group of 60 years and older, totaling 424 cases.
The report also highlighted an annual rise in the number of school-age children diagnosed with diabetes overall. Statistics revealed that more than 50 percent of those diagnosed with type-2 diabetes also suffered from morbid obesity.
The report recommended that relevant authorities issue laws and legislation aimed at reducing risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. These include “raising the prices of tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages, establishing covered and utilized sports halls in Ministry of Education schools, and creating designated cycling lanes in residential areas.”
Other recommendations include enhancing health awareness and education across all age groups, as well as encouraging regular screenings for early detection of diabetes and its complications.
