Undiagnosed Cases of Lifestyle Induced Chronic Illnesses Place Unnecessary Burden UAE's Healthcare System

Middle East and Africa is at the Centre of the Global Diabetes Epidemic: International Diabetes Federation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Undiagnosed cases of chronic lifestyle induced diseases such as diabetes continue to burden the UAE’s healthcare economy. With the world’s highest prevalence of diabetes, the International Diabetes Federation reports that the Middle East and Africa (MENA) is at the centre of what they call a global epidemic, with estimates of as many as 68 million people in the region living with diabetes by 2035. Last year, diabetes led to 363,000 deaths in the region, half of whom were under the age of 60.

Managing treatment for several diabetes-related conditions and/or disabilities can cause huge financial burden on individuals and their families as well as the healthcare system.

“Managing chronic diseases can be challenging as unhealthy lifestyle choices can often lead to multiple symptoms, each with its own treatment options,” said Khalid Amin, Regional Director in the UAE for Spanish pharmaceutical company, Cinfa.

The IDF puts undiagnosed cases of diabetes in MENA at 18 million, in addition to the 37 million currently diagnosed. Undiagnosed diabetes puts individuals at considerable risk of life-impairing complications such as kidney and heart disease if left untreated.

In November 2014 the Financial Times reported that the number of diabetics in the UAE is expected to triple by 2035, which has costly implications for the UAE’s healthcare system.

In 2013 spending on diabetes care was estimates at over USD 13 billion in the UAE - more than any other GCC nation. Last year, delivering diabetes care cost the UAE healthcare system USD 16.8 billion, which the IDF predicts will increase to USD 24.7 billion in 2035.

Early diagnoses of diabetes to avoid significant complications, and awareness of the risks associated with obesity, are critical in tackling the diabetes epidemic in the UAE. For those already diagnosed with the condition, access to affordable medication will help to alleviate the financial strain that the condition puts on individuals and the UAE’s healthcare system.

“In response, we are committed to offering our GCC customers great choice in affordable and effective pharmaceutical solutions that meet strict European standards to make treatment of long-term conditions more manageable.” concluded Amin.