NCD Watch

Diabetes : A Common Chronic Disease

28 Feb 2019 (Thu)

Diabetes : A Common Chronic Disease Diabetes is characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose when the pancreas cannot produce any or enough insulin (a hormone which helps glucose get into the cells for use), or the body cannot use insulin effectively. As a result, the excess glucose is excreted out of the body through urine. According to its causes and symptoms, there are three main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes (the pancreas does not produce enough insulin), type 2 diabetes (the pancreas produces insulin but the body cannot effectively use it), and gestational diabetes (a temporary condition in pregnancy).

It is noteworthy that before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have “pre-diabetes” in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Thus, early detection of pre-diabetes is of importance in initiating timely interventions (such as lifestyle modifications) to prevent its progression to diabetes and related complications, including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.

In Hong Kong, diabetes is a public health issue that deserves particular attention. The Population Health Survey 2014/15 of the Department of Health found that 8.4% (10.5% for males; 6.4% for females) of non-institutionalised persons aged 15-84 had diabetes, with more than half (54.1%) of them were previously undiagnosed but tested to have diabetes during health examination.

In May 2018, the Government launched “Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-communicable Diseases in Hong Kong” announcing 9 local targets to be achieved by 2025, many of which are related to the prevention and control of diabetes. To halt the rise in diabetes, the Government will organise large scale and systematic health communica-tion campaigns to raise public health literacy; strengthen the health system at all levels for prevention, early detection and management of those who already have diabetes; and ensure access to cost-effective drugs and therapies for treatment of diabetes.

Although it is not yet possible to prevent type 1 diabetes, simple lifestyle changes have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes as well as control the disease. For individuals, key actions include—

  • Maintain an optimal body weight and waist circumference
  • Eat healthier: Have at least 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables a day, choose whole grains over refined grains, eat less sugar and fats (especially saturated fats)
  • Be physically active.
  • Do not smoke
  • Refrain from alcohol use.