Three million Thais diagnosed with diabetes

BANGKOK, Oct 15 (TNA) - Fast food and a lack of exercise is lowering the health and well-being to Thai children and young people, bringing diabetes--formerly a disease associated with older persons--into the forefront for Thai teenagers and their families.

The number of people in Thailand diagnosed with diabetes has increased to over 3 million and the disease is affecting the younger population at an alarming rate, a senior Thai health official said.

Ministry of Public Health permanent-secretary Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot said 3.2 million Thais are diabetic and many of them are as young as age 15. He said that Bangkok has the higest number of diabates patients, accounting for 11 per cent of the total.

''Even though diabetes is still mostly found in women aged 60-69, it has spread to the much younger population due to poor diet,'' he said.

The number of teenagers diagnosed with diabetes has increased by 10 times during the past 20 years.

Most live in Bangkok where new urban lifestyle that lacks outdoor activities and unhealthy eating habits have caused them to become overweight.

''Children don't have enough exercise and spend most of their time watching television and playing computer games while consuming snacks, soft drinks and fast food,'' Dr. Prat explained.

To keep diabetes at bay, parents must introduce a healthy diet and lifestyle to their children, he said.

''For diabetic people, they need to keep their health and eating in check and regular visits to their doctor is a must,'' he said.

He said only one million patients knew their medical condition while an estimated more than two million others were not aware of having the condition until they were diagnosed for other diseases.

''We find that only 400,000 patients could control their condition medically and stay well," Dr. Prat said. "Many others did not adjust their diet or exercise, and have suffered from blindness, kidney failure, and stroke,'' he said.

TNA

Isn`t it strange that the incidence of diabetes seems to be on the increase? I`ve noticed it more and more here in the U.K. amongst people I know. The modern way of life has its drawbacks that`s for sure. :cry: