Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti on World Diabetes Day 2016

Today, November 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) joins the rest of the international community in commemorating World Diabetes Day under the theme “Eyes on Diabetes”.  The theme underscores the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes to reduce serious complications, disabilities and death.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. It may be due either to inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas (type 1 diabetes) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (type 2 diabetes). Most diabetes cases are type 2 and are largely preventable. Over a period of time raised blood glucose may lead to serious damage to nerves and blood vessels leading to complications such as visual impairment and blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations.

The number of people living with diabetes in the African region has increased from 4 million in 1980 to 25 million in 2014. Currently, the prevalence of diabetes in African region is estimated to be 7.1 % compared to 3.1% in 1980. The rise in the burden of diabetes, is due to factors such as ageing, obesity, genetics and changing lifestyles.

Early diagnosis, detection and management of type 2 diabetes reduce the development of complications such as visual impairment and blindness. Management of type 2 diabetes involves the control of blood glucose through a combination of diet, physical activity, counselling and appropriate medicines if necessary.

Overweight and obesity are the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally and specifically in our region since 1980. The prevalence of overweight in adults was estimated to be 22.9% among men and 38.6% among women in 2014. Childhood overweight is also increasing especially in southern Africa countries where between 2000 and 2013, the prevalence of overweight in children aged under 5 years increased from 11% to 19%. Consumption of food high in calories combined with inadequate physical activity contributes to overweight and obesity.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications could be significantly reduced by maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in sufficient physical activity, eating a well-balanced diet low in sugar and fat and supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, as well as avoiding tobacco and harmful use of alcohol throughout a person’s life.

A lot needs to be done in the African Region to stem the tide of rising noncommunicable diseases including diabetes. I would like to call upon governments to accelerate the prevention and control of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases by adopting policies, legislation and programmes that promote a healthy diet, physical activity and reduce exposure to tobacco and harmful use of alcohol. 

World Diabetes Day is a great opportunity to increase public awareness of diabetes and ways to prevent it. This includes regular screening, early diagnosis and equitable access to medicines and technologies to manage diabetes and its complications such as visual impairment and blindness. Each adult from the age of 40 years should learn about type 2 diabetes and have regular check-ups with a health professional to get tested for it.
For people living with diabetes, I would like to urge you to adhere to the advice of your health care provider and have your eyes checked for diabetic eye complications.

WHO will continue to provide technical support to Member States to develop their national policies, strategies and plans including scientific guidelines for the prevention and control of diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.

Thank you