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The state of diabetes among children in the UAE has reached a serious level as health officials have indicated an increase in the number of such cases. If not addressed urgently, the issue will become a critical problem in the future.
According to health officials, there has been a rise in the number of children as young as six years old acquiring pre-diabetes, a condition that is characterised with a high level of blood sugar. The condition turns into diabetes when such above-average levels continue rising. "All are at risk in the UAE. Expatriates have a higher incidence of diabetes here than their native country. Environment plays a role," said Dr Abdul Razak Al Madani, President of Emirates Diabetes Society. The UAE has a population of which 20 per cent has various types of diabetes.
Regardless of the nationality and background, the scale of the problem should not be underestimated, as the affected children will grow up with illnesses that are usually associated with an older age group.
The implications for the future are grave as an entire young generation runs the risk of suffering throughout their lives as a result of diabetes. The avenues for change are aplenty - it just requires focus and effort.
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