Sixty-seven percent of UAE residents aged 36 to 60 are pre-diabetic, according to data revealed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and private healthcare partners during the conclusion of their national diabetes screening campaign.

The campaign results also revealed that 24 percent of residents aged 18 to 35 are pre-diabetic, while 9 percent of the population over 60 is also in the pre-diabetic stage. Surprisingly, 64 percent of people diagnosed with prediabetes were not overweight, indicating that even those who appear physically fit could be at risk.

“We launched this initiative to protect the health of UAE residents. It is not just about screening and dropping people, but also continuous follow-ups and lifestyle advice,” said Dr Buthaina Bin Belaila, head of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Health. mental health.

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“Our goal is for all health entities to adopt this program in their establishments for people aged 18 and over. Diabetes is reversible and we aim to prevent it by encouraging early detection, even for those under 30,” added Dr Belaila.

How it was done

Data on the prevalence of prediabetes in the UAE was revealed at a special event organized by MoHAP at Zabeel Park. The statistics were revealed through a drone show set against the iconic backdrop of Dubai Frame, in a unique and captivating display.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

The extensive screening campaign, which initially aimed to test 5,000 people over 100 days in October 2023, exceeded all expectations by screening 12,877 individuals. The success of this initiative led to a larger goal of screening 100,000 residents in one year. This objective was also exceeded since more than 150,000 people were screened this year.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

The ministry used HbA1c tests, which measure average blood sugar levels over three months, to determine whether individuals were pre-diabetic. Those deemed at risk were given advice on lifestyle changes and were retested after three months. Further follow-up tests were performed at six-month intervals to monitor progress.

Data collected after three months showed that 31.7 percent of individuals returned to normal blood sugar levels, while 64.6 percent remained pre-diabetic and 3.7 percent progressed to diabetes. After six months, the number of people who had recovered from their pre-diabetic condition increased to 37.5 percent, while 59 percent remained pre-diabetic and 3.5 percent had developed diabetes.

“The fact that many people have returned to normal after being identified as pre-diabetic proves that diabetes can be reversed and prevented,” Dr. Belaila said. “We strongly advise people not to wait 30 years to get tested. Our data clearly shows that a significant number of people aged 18 to 35 are already in a pre-diabetic state, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.

Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Undersecretary for Health Regulatory Sector at MoHAP, praised the collaborative effort, saying: “It is an honor to celebrate this exceptional achievement in the health sector of United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the support of our leaders and the efforts of our partners, we have completed more than 150,000 tests in just one year. It is not just a number but a reflection of the tireless work of our teams.

Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri

The screening program followed a holistic approach. “We didn’t just do simple fingerprint tests,” said Sarrah Barakat, director of government and public affairs at Merck Gulf, one of the campaign partners. “We provided people with immediate diagnostic results, lifestyle advice and clinical interventions. Those who followed the advice showed significant improvement, and many returned to normal blood sugar levels. Follow-up testing helped people stay motivated and on track.

As the UAE continues its fight against diabetes, authorities are encouraging residents, especially young adults, to undergo early screening and take proactive measures to prevent the onset of the disease.

KT Photo: SM Ayaz Zakir

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SM Ayaz Zakir

SM Ayaz Zakir is a senior correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the United Arab Emirates. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling information and human interest stories.