NCD Watch

Screening and Prevention of Diabetes

14 Nov 2021 (Sun)

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. Every year, WDD campaign focuses on a dedicated theme that runs for one or more years. Access to Diabetes Care is the theme for WDD 2021–23.

Diabetes is a significant public health issue. It is a common chronic condition marked by high levels of glucose in the blood. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. As a result, the excess glucose is excreted out of the body through urine.

Among the main types of diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes), type 2 diabetes is the most common form and makes up about 90% of all diabetes cases. Since type 2 diabetes is often asymptomatic in early stages, patients can remain undetected for many years until complications develop. The International Diabetes Federation appraises that one in two adults living with diabetes remain undiagnosed and are unaware of their conditions.

In Hong Kong, the Population Health Survey 2014/15 observed that 8.4% of persons aged 15–84 had diabetes. Among them, more than half were not known that they had diabetes but tested to have the disease during health examination provided under such survey.

Thus, screening those at high risk of type 2 diabetes or recognising prediabetes is a crucial component of disease prevention, as early intervention or treatment can be initiated to prevent or delay disease progression and diabetic complications. As recommended by the Hong Kong Reference Framework for Diabetes Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings, screening for type 2 diabetes should begin at age 45. Based on the presence of diabetes risk factors and previous results, screening should be conducted every 1 to 3 years.

Besides, studies show that adhering to a healthy lifestyle is associated with 75–78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Members of the public are thus encouraged to be physically active, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, refrain from alcohol consumption, and keep a healthy body weight.

Equally important, as the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination generally exceeds the risk, unless there is contraindication, individuals with stable chronic conditions including diabetes should get vaccinated for protection as soon as possible.

Source: NCD Watch November 2021