Obesity is the Leading Cause of the Rise in Diabetes in Oman, Which is One of the Major Health Concerns in the Sultanate

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 28, 2020:   Diabetes is no longer a disease of predominantly rich nations. It is one of the serious and most rapidly growing diseases. The prevalence of diabetes is steadily increasing everywhere, most markedly in the world’s middle-income countries. The Sultanate of Oman has also been witnessing a rise in diabetes over the past decade, across a wide age group among men and women. 

People who are overweight or obese, are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly if they have excess weight around the abdomen. Overweight and obesity, together with physical inactivity, are estimated to cause a large proportion of the global diabetes burden

(1). As a matter of fact, the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in the Sultanate is about 60% of total adults as of 2018.

(2) In 2016 the World Health Organisation indicated that 39% of adults worldwide are overweight, 13% of whom suffer from obesity. In the same year, in the Sultanate the obesity rates after the age of 40-year reached 36%, approximately 164,000 patients within the mentioned age group.

(3)It is a known fact that when diabetes is uncontrolled, it can have dire consequences for health and well-being. Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. 

Abdominal fat causes fat cells to release ‘pro-inflammatory’ chemicals, which can make the body less sensitive to the insulin itproduces by disrupting the function of insulin-responsive cells and their ability to respond to insulin.This is known as insulin resistance – the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.Having excess abdominal fat (i.e. a large waistline) is known as central or abdominal obesity, a particularly high-risk form of obesity.

Several studies have shown that even a small amount of weight loss can prevent the onset of diabetes in even those that are pre-diabetic. 
Today there are many options available to people who are looking to lose excess body weight up to 10%. The bariatric procedure is a non-surgical procedure that helps people lose weight without the need for surgery. It helps individuals lose up to 15% of total body weight simply by using an intra-gastric balloon. It is an effective weight-loss tool that helps reduce body weight within a few weeks. 

Mrs. Cynthia Bou Khalil, Nutritional consultant at Allurion Technologies says, ”Elipse Balloon, developed by Allurion Technologies USA, is a procedure-less weight loss device that requires no endoscopy or anaesthesia*. It has proved to be effective and hence popular with patients and physicians alike due to its unique concept of being a non-invasive treatment option. It helps support the glycemic and weight loss goals of people with diabetes who need a kick-start for a healthier lifestyle and eating habits.Mrs. The Elipse Balloon helps individuals that are seeking aid for weight loss when unable to achieve through diet and exercise”.