Beirut: The Lebanese Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Lipids (LSEDL), with the support of Novo Nordisk, hosted a press event on November 7, highlighting the urgent need for diabetes prevention and early intervention.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, diabetes is a growing global concern, currently affecting 589 million people worldwide, including approximately 439,700 individuals in Lebanon. The condition arises when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, heightened hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, numbness or tingling in extremities, and frequent infections.
High blood-glucose levels can lead to progressive damage to blood vessels throughout the body, resulting in various complications. Notably, 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes present at least one complication upon diagnosis. Dr. Mireille Amm, President of LSEDL, emphasized that diabetes management now extends beyond merely controlling blood glucose levels to addressing complications such as cardiovascular and kidney diseases, diabetic eye complications, and neuropathy.
Adults with diabetes are found to have a 2-4 times higher cardiovascular risk compared to those without the condition, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, diabetes serves as a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with around 40% of type 2 diabetes patients developing CKD in their lifetime. Diabetic retinopathy, a common microvascular complication, underscores the importance of regular eye exams to prevent severe and vision-threatening outcomes.
The LSEDL is advocating for public awareness and early intervention, recognizing diabetes as a chronic, systemic disease. By encouraging regular checkups with healthcare professionals, lifestyle changes, and treatment adherence, the society aims to help patients manage glucose levels, prevent complications, and enhance quality of life through innovative treatments.