Mahan Wijesuriya, Regional Chairman for International Diabetes Federation, South East Asian Region has warned against growing prevalence of Type Two Diabetes among younger age groups - representing the major work force of their respective countries.
Speaking at the third and the final day of the international diabetes conference organised by Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology and International Diabetes Federation here on March 2.
He said the trend was of immense concern as the potential for complications for 10 to 20 years of onset looms as formidable thought.
"Why is this happening to our children and young adults?" he asked maintaining that it could e due to an interaction of etiological factors agreed upon in the Diabetes in Asia Conference 2002, held in Colombo.
The expert also the President of Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka enumerated genetics, fetal origins, life style and stress as the factors which need to be taken into account in a properly conducted primary prevention program.
"The prevention from diabetes can be ensured through regular games and exercise in schools and at home," he stressed.
Professor Andrew Boulton from UK discussing the sexual dysfunction in diabetes mentioned that at any one time, upto 50 percent of male diabetic patients will be experiencing the problem that is also directly related to poor diabetes control.
The experts maintained that availability of a new drug Sidenafil during the last decade has in many way revolutionised the management of the diabetes induced dysfunction.
Dr Javed Akram from Pakistan regretted that no guidelines are available for the patients who wish to fast and that very often the available professional advised is based on assumptions and personal experiences.
"However, in Pakistan a Ramzan study group has now been formed and being represented in more than 30 countries," he said mentioning that these guidelines will be available to diabetics keen to fast, specially during the holy month of Ramzan.
Dr Oussama M.N.Khatib from Egypt said the Diabetes is presently considered one of the most common non-communicable diseases and that there is an increasing evidence that it will become of the most foremost public health challenges to be faced in Middle East region, in the new millennium.
Dr Rhys Williams from UK stressed on the need of primary prevention of type two diabetes. He observed that prevalence of type two diabetes and its economic impact could be reduced if lifestyle interventions prevent incidence of type two diabetes in individuals.
Elaborating his stance, he said delaying the onset of diabetes by an average 11,1 years could lead to a reduction in direct health care costs by around 10 percent.
Dr Fatima Jawad from Pakistan referred to her study showing that diabetes induced kidney failure could avail the kidney transplant option, which is as successful in them as in non diabetic kidney recipients.
Dr Andres Magnusson from Norway described that obesity and high hip/waist ration are well established risk factor for diabetes.
The concluding ceremony of the three day extensive program was held on March 2 evening. Participants agreed to work vigorously in their respective countries to prevent the disease besides offering quality treatment services to contain its complications.
Tireless efforts made by the organisers particularly the doctors and staffers of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology was appreciated by all.