By 2045 45.2% of Maltese adults are forecast to have diabetes, according to the most recent research published by the International Diabetes Federation.
Last year, there were 42,300 adult cases of diabetes in Malta and, according to the IDF 170 of Maltese children and adolescents had type 1 diabetes in 2017.
In the European region, there are more than 58 million people with diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 425 million people currently have diabetes and by the year 2045, this number will increase to 629 million.
The 21st Century's stressful and fast lifestyle only increases the number of persons being diagnosed with diabetes. Obesity, unhealthy diets and lack of physical exercise are all factors in the increase in type 2 diabetes and unfortunately in Malta are on the rise.
The Maltese islands have the highest rate of male obesity (68%) when compared to EU member states and the third highest amongst females (49.1%). According to statistics 19.2% of the Maltese population aged 15 or older smoke daily.
14 November marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who in 1921 co-discovered insulin, together with Charles Best. According to The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 13.2% % of all 20-79 year olds in Malta suffer from diabetes. The theme for World Diabetes Day for 2018 and 2019 is The Family and Diabetes. The aim of this year's campaign is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes. CHRIS J. DELICATA, president of the Maltese Diabetes Association and former president of the International Diabetes Federation Europe, reflects upon those who are working towards more awareness and promotion of living with diabetes and the initiatives currently happening to highlight the importance of World Diabetes Day. Giulia Magri writes.
Founded in 1981 by the late Tancred Zammit and its headquarters found in Valletta, the Maltese Diabetes Association is a non-government organisation with a mission to create more awareness on diabetes and its complications. It is an active member of the International Diabetes Federation and works closely with its European Region.
Apart from the Association, there is also Diabetes Association in support of Youth (DAISY) which focuses on youths and adolescents. Throughout the summer holidays a camp is organised for children with diabetes, giving them a unique experience to learn more about their condition and empower themselves in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. With the aid of social media, it is much easier now to reach out to seek support and help. Founded by a group of parents who wished to share their own experiences of raisingtheir children with type 1 diabetes, 'T1D Little Warriors'has been set up exclusively for parents and carers of children living with Type 1 Diabetes.
An increase in educational campaigns for diabetes
Delicata spoke about the importance that educational institutions should be in the forefront on diabetes, stressing that information should be provided to schools. For this reason, a few years back informative leaflets were distributed to various schools around Malta by the Association. The leaflets were launched to assist teachers, carers and learning support assistants, providing guidelines as to what one should do when a child has hypoglycaemia, when practicing sports or when ill.
Delicata said the Strategy for Diabetes (Diabetes: A National Public Health Priority 2016-2020) launched by the government in 2016 was a step in the right direction. The ultimate aim of the strategy is to prevent diabetes, expand treatment options and improve the integrated management of diabetes so as to prevent or postpone the onset of diabetes- related complications. Earlier this year the government extended the blood glucose monitoring devices for people living with type 2 diabetes, therefore giving persons living with diabetes a more efficient and regular means of checking their blood sugar levels. Undoubtedly, ensuring better diabetes management would result in fewer complications and hospitalisation.
The president of the association hoped that in the near future the government would consider the introduction of Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices for persons living with diabetes. The device tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night to help such persons to proactively manage their glucose levels. Delicata says that such devices should be fully reimbursed by the government to ease the financial burden on patients and/or their carers who opt to purchase this innovative and effective device from their own pockets.
42,300 cases of diabetes (20-79 years) reported in 2017 alone
When discussing the major contributors for the increase in type 2 diabetes, several causes arise, including genetics and lifestyle. Obesity, an issue which is extremely predominant in Malta is linked to type 2 diabetes. People at risk of getting diabetes due to a family history or who are at high risk should take regular health check-ups said Delicata.
As breast cancer and colon cancer screenings are successful in early diagnosis, Delicata believes that ideally there should also be structured national screening programmes for those over a certain age group and/or at risk of getting diabetes and/or with a family history of diabetes.
Numerous complications may arise if diabetes is not managed or neglected. Foot complications, kidney disease, nerve damage, retinopathy and stroke can all be prevented or delayed with the correct treatment and recommended lifestyle changes.
Events being held for World Diabetes Day
Delicata said that the association will be organising two main events to mark World Diabetes Day. A national seminar will be held on Saturday 17 November 'Family & Diabetes' at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana from 9.30am till 12.30pm. The speakers will include both the clinical and personal perspectives focusing on this year's theme for World Diabetes Day - Family & Diabetes.
On Saturday 1 December the Association will be holding a Free Diabetes Test event at Pavi Supermarket in Qormi from 9.30am till 12.30pm, giving the public a chance to take the first step to get tested for diabetes.
As part of its fundraising initiatives, a Sunday Buffet Lunch in aid of Diabetes will be held on Sunday 2 December at the Palace Hotel, High Street, Sliema. Further details are available from the association's website www.diabetesmalta.org.
Testimonies from two Maltese youths with Type 1 Diabetes
Rachel Portelli, 25: Living with diabetes for over 21 years, I do not remember a life other than that with type 1 diabetes. It seeps its way through everything, whether it is school, relationships, jobs or any other area of my life. Growing up with diabetes was not a walk in the park and I hated it for a number of years, however, I never let it get in the way of what I wanted to do. I am lucky enough to have amazing supportive family and friends who always try their best to understand and help me. However, diabetes did get in the way of creating new relationships because the highs and lows could sometimes be seen as a burden. In 2016, I graduated from a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Policy. Studying at University is already tough on its own, and adding diabetes makes it even more since stress makes my blood sugars unstable. It was even more difficult when less than a week before my University finals, I was told I had diabetes Retinopathy. However, I was still able to graduate with my class in 2016 and now am doing a Masters in Health, Medicine and Society.
Martina Erika Mallia, 19: Keeping a proper balance between school and maintaining a social life is undoubtedly stressful for most teenagers. For a person living with diabetes, it further complicates things. Diabetes affects even the simplest day to day tasks such as driving, going out with friends and studying. In spite of this, it does not limit or restrict me in anything I do. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of twelve, when, like any child at that age, I was eagerly looking forward to starting my teenage years. Taking insulin multiple times daily was definitely not something I was anticipating and, needless to say, required getting tuned into a more systematized lifestyle. Till this day, it is still a challenge to control diabetes whilst taking on different commitments, be it University and extra-curricular academic commitments or casually going out with friends. However, knowing that I am surrounded with friends and family, who are fully aware of my situation and supporting me through every single day, encourages me not disregard my diabetes.