Up to 25 percent of Kuwait’s population suffers from diabetes
Dr. Thamer Mohammed Al-Essa says cases expected to rise without lifestyle change
Dr. Thamer Mohammed Al-Essa, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist and visiting consultant at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, revealed that diabetes affects between 20 and 25 percent of Kuwait’s population, noting that the country still lacks precise data to measure the annual number of new cases.
He explained that this percentage includes a wide spectrum of patients whose conditions vary significantly in severity and treatment needs — ranging from individuals who require only simple medications to those who depend on intensive, multi-drug regimens or insulin therapy, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Al-Essa said the often-quoted estimate of 800,000 diabetic patients — roughly a quarter of Kuwait’s population — is “undoubtedly a large number, but not surprising,” considering the chronic nature of the disease and its strong links to lifestyle patterns and genetic predispositions prevalent in society.
He warned that diabetes cases are expected to rise unless lifestyle habits change.
He noted that type 2 diabetes is the most widespread form in Kuwait because of its association with daily lifestyle and dietary patterns, while type 1 diabetes exists but remains far less common.
Large Diagnostic Variation
Al-Essa stressed that any percentage representing hundreds of thousands of cases reflects a broad spectrum of patients whose needs differ widely.
“A 20 percent prevalence includes many individuals whose disease progression can still be prevented,” he said. “But when we speak of numbers like 800,000, we are covering everyone — from those who manage their condition with a single daily pill to patients requiring multiple medications or insulin.”
He emphasized that the complexity and diversity of diabetes make it difficult to identify the most vulnerable groups precisely, calling for increased community awareness, early detection, and a shift toward healthier lifestyles.
What High Sugar Levels Do
Al-Essa explained that diabetes occurs when blood sugar rises above normal levels, preventing the body from using it properly.
While glucose is essential as the body’s primary energy source, persistently high levels damage organs and impair their functions.
He said long-term elevated sugar levels calcify blood vessels—raising the risk of strokes—and progressively weaken the kidneys due to constant strain.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes results from insufficient insulin production. In contrast, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body produces normal or near-normal insulin levels but becomes resistant to it.
This resistance, he explained, is closely linked to weight gain, high-calorie diets, and the accumulation of visceral fat around the abdomen.
Over time, many type 2 patients experience a gradual decline in their ability to produce insulin, leading them to progress from simple oral medications to full insulin therapy.
Dietary Habits
Al-Essa pointed to Kuwait’s prevailing diet—rich in starches such as rice, bread, and flour-based foods—and emphasized that the problem stems not from starches alone but from how they are prepared. “Starches are often cooked with excessive fats and hydrogenated oils,” he said. “This combination creates extremely high-calorie meals and accelerates weight gain.”
Rising Childhood Diabetes
Commenting on diabetes among children, Al-Essa said most young patients with diabetes suffer from type 1 due to genetic or autoimmune causes unrelated to diet.
However, he expressed deep concern over the growing number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which he attributed to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and sedentary lifestyles.
He warned that developing the disease early in life increases the likelihood of severe complications later on.
“This is not an individual or family problem—it is a national public health issue requiring coordinated efforts from the state, the private sector, and civil society,” he said, calling for stronger initiatives to combat obesity, diabetes, and unhealthy behaviors.
Social and Health Impact
Al-Essa noted that what troubles him most in clinical practice is seeing young patients dependent on multiple medications because of obesity and related complications. Some of these drugs, he said, cause side effects such as hypoglycemia, fatigue, and exhaustion, which affect children’s daily performance.
He added that many patients require insulin throughout their lives, even during social gatherings—an inconvenience that becomes harder when patients do not adopt healthier habits.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the rapid progress in medical technology and artificial intelligence, which has significantly improved the quality of life for diabetic patients, especially children.
Mounting Financial Burden
Al-Essa stated that the cost of treating a type 2 diabetes patient typically ranges between 60 and 100 dinars per month during the early stages of the disease.
Patients over 40 often require additional medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs costing around 20 dinars per month. This brings the total monthly cost to about 100 dinars, representing a substantial long-term financial burden for both individuals and the national healthcare system.
