Diabetes diagnosed in over 12% of Cypriot population

Minister of Health Popi Kanari has stated that, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation, one in 10 adults worldwide lives with diabetes, while in Cyprus, 12.7% of the population has been diagnosed with the disease.

During a press conference marking World Diabetes Day, she highlighted that since 2000, diabetes cases have doubled, increasing from 4.6% of the world's population to 10.5% today. Without sufficient action to address the issue, it is predicted that by 2030, this percentage will rise to 11.3%, she continued.

In response, Kanari emphasized the need to raise awareness among the public about adopting a healthy diet, engaging in physical exercise, and adopting a lifestyle that promotes diabetes prevention.

She noted that diabetes is not solely a concern for patients and the health system; rather, it encompasses the entire society, and addressing it requires collective responsibility.

To address this, Kanari explained that the Ministry of Health is taking the increasing trend of diabetes cases and new data in the health field into account. It is actively promoting the update of the National Strategy for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and care through the National Diabetes Committee.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health aims to enhance diabetes clinics in state hospitals continually and encourages the establishment of holistic centers in the private sector.

As part of the ongoing efforts, Kanari highlighted the operation of the specialized Pediatric-Diabetology Clinic at Makarios Hospital as a significant step forward.