Diabetes: Protect our Future

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are very happy to commemorate the World Diabetes Day again with you under the slogan “Diabetes: Protect our Future”. Today is a day for the world to remember and engage that we are in this fight against diabetes together, and is important not only for people with diabetes or caregivers of people with diabetes, but also for all Tibetans at large. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. The theme chosen for this Day “Diabetes Education and Prevention” from 2009-2013 highlights the critical role of education and prevention in the fight against diabetes.

Diabetes is a major non-communicable chronic disease (NCD) which can have serious consequences, whether you are young or old. According to the World Health Organization, close to 3.4 million people died from complications caused by diabetes in 2010. There are approximately 347 million people worldwide who have diabetes. Only 20% of deaths occur in developed countries whereas 80 % of deaths occur in undeveloped and developing countries.  The data in health information system of the department shows that diabetes is one of commonly diagnosed diseases amongst Tibetans. It is one of the most frequently treated chronic diseases in our clinics. We therefore need to educate our community. We need to educate our youngsters, students, adults and the elderly in order to prevent them from becoming sick or even dying from this disease.

Diabetes, also commonly known as “sugar” disease is a metabolic disease in which the organ called pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the human cells and tissues become less sensitive and less responsive to the insulin produced by the body. This results in the sugar content in our blood being raised to harmful levels. This thus cause damage to eyes, blood vessels, kidney, heart etc.

There are three main type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes will affect 1 in every 10 people. These patients will have to take insulin injection for the rest of their lives combined with a special diet, as well as regular exercise. Type 2 diabetes is caused when body does not produce enough insulin to function properly, or the cells in the body do not respond to the insulin produced. Type 2 diabetes can be genetic, but it can also be caused by lifestyle factors like obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, stress and urbanization. The third gestational diabetes, occurs when pregnant women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop a high blood sugar level. It may precede development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is highly advisable for women to test their blood sugar when they are pregnant.

Diabetes patients are usually treated with medication, special diet and by increasing the amount of exercise they take. Unfortunately, when diabetes remain untreated, there is a serious risk of developing severe, life threatening complications.

We therefore need to concentrate on educating our health care professionals so that they will be able to educate our people on how to avoid getting diabetes and provide treatment of diabetes for patients who already have the disease. The theme focuses on empowerment through education about the disease and the detrimental effect it has on people’s lives. In line with the goal of World Diabetes Day, the department of health strives to protect health of present and future generation through campaigns that will create greater awareness individual-to-individual and community-to-community.

Everyone in the Tibetan community needs to play their part. Every Tibetan needs to become aware of the risk of getting diabetes. We are all responsible for trying to prevent it. We need to change our lifestyle. We need to watch what we eat and we need to take regular exercises. These two factors are critical if we want to avoid severe consequences of getting diabetes. Besides lifestyle modifications, screening blood sugar early for diabetes is also very important. This testing is easily available at all our hospitals and health centers at affordable price. Only 50% of people with diabetes are aware that they have diabetes. I urge Tibetans to undergo screening early, not just for diabetes, but also for other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Screening must be accompanied by follow-up and appropriate action, management and treatment to prevent complications.

In order  to fight this disease together and reduce its impact on our community, please join the CTA health department today in explaining the dangers of diabetes.

By working together, we can protect our future from the impact of diabetes.

Thank you,

Kalon Dr. Tsering Wangchuk

Department of Health 

Central Tibetan Administration