Cases Of No. 4 Killer – Diabetes – Could Double In Ten
Years
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Diabetes has been the fourth main cause of deaths in Brunei Darussalam since 2001; and the number of patients diagnosed with the disease is rising at an alarming rate.

This was revealed at a press conference held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day at the Ministry of Health building by Dr Hajah Haslinda Haji Mohd Hassan, Endocrinology Specialist of RIPAS Hospital, Norafizah Haji Zaini, Podiatry Officer, and Haji Abd Khalid Bin Haji Azahari, Dietician Officer.

Dr Hajah Haslinda revealed that RIPAS Hospital recorded 7,000 cases of diabetes each year and the figure could double in ten years time if nothing is done to stop the increase.

The trend of younger children getting diabetes is on the rise with the youngest patient to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (diabetes which can be prevented) an eight-year-old kid whose case is associated with obesity. Type 2 diabetes usually affects adults aged 40 years and above.

Out of a total of 396 patients currently receiving dialysis treatment, 57 per cent are diabetics. And each patient on dialysis treatment costs the government $30,000, while a kidney transplant operation costs around $50,000.

Dr Hajah Haslinda said that pregnant women who have diabetes have a higher chance of miscarriage and having a baby born with abnormality.

While children with both parents diagnosed with diabetes will have a 95 per cent chance of having diabetes. Children with only one parent diagnosed with diabetes will have a 70 per cent chance of getting diabetes.

Meanwhile, Norafizah Haji Zaini, Podiatry Officer, highlighted the complications faced by diabetic patients such as infection on the lower limbs especially legs and feet with 33 Brunei patients having had their leg amputated due to diabetes.

She also noted the long-term complications - diabetes patients may experience the lost of feeling in the leg and feet.

While injuries of diabetics will take longer to heal. On preventive measures against diabetes, Haji Abd Khalid, Dietician Officer, advised the public to maintain a good diet and exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes per week. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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