ABU DHABI // Many residents are not aware of the severe complications associated with two of the biggest health complaints in the region.

When tested about their knowledge about obesity and diabetes, many were unsure about the risk factors each carry.

Of those polled, one in five are unaware that obesity carries the risk of cardiovascular disease, cholesterol problems, diabetes, sleep apnoea and breathing problems.

And one in five inaccurately say diabetes has no associated risk of cardiovascular disease, renal failure, foot amputation, eye failure and nerve damage.

This is despite the fact that one in three people say they are affected by diabetes.

A third of respondents, or 35 per cent, state either they or a family member have Type 1 diabetes, compared with 31 per cent who have or are affected by Type 2.

The most recent figures from the International Diabetes Federation show there are 37 million diabetics in the Mena region, including 803,900 in the UAE.

The IDF says about 40 per cent, 327,000, of diabetes sufferers in the UAE are unaware they have diabetes. It predicts the region’s figure will rise by more than 80 per cent to 68 million by 2035 unless action is taken.

“Given the high prevalence of this disease among UAE residents, it is crucial to educate people about the complications that accompany diabetes, and how to prevent it by leading a healthy active lifestyle,” says Lara Al Barazi.

Dietician Anita Das Gupta says: “Some people really do not know the link between obesity, diabetes and their complications.

“Even patients who are on insulin do not know that their diet affects the amount of insulin they need to have. If they are made aware they would understand.

“The more carbohydrates one consumes, the higher the amount of insulin a person must have. If they are aware of these things, they would think before they eat.”

jbell@thenational.ae

arizvi2@thenational.ae