Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the Maldives, accounting for part of a non-communicable disease burden responsible for around 85 per cent of annual deaths, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said.
In a statement issued today to mark World Diabetes Day, the HPA said 7,000 people were receiving treatment for Type 2 diabetes across the country as of October 30, while another 300 were being treated for Type 1 diabetes.
Around 250 women also receive treatment annually for elevated blood sugar during pregnancy, according to figures collected from hospitals nationwide.
The agency said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major challenge for the country’s healthcare system, with diabetes ranking third among the leading causes of death from these conditions.
Observed annually on November 14, World Diabetes Day aims to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management. This year’s theme is ‘Early Action on Diabetes’.
The HPA said Type 2 diabetes can develop at any stage of life and is associated with factors including obesity, excess weight and physical inactivity. A family history of diabetes, tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and elevated blood sugar during pregnancy also increase the risk.
The agency urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced diets, appropriate portion sizes, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight. It also stressed the importance of early screening, particularly for people with a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.
People already receiving treatment for diabetes were advised to attend regular medical consultations, undergo necessary tests and follow their doctors’ dietary and exercise recommendations.
The HPA also highlighted tobacco use as a contributing risk factor for NCDs. Citing the STEPS Survey, it said 35.6 per cent of men and 7.6 per cent of women use tobacco, with some starting as young as eight years old.
The agency said efforts to strengthen diabetes prevention, early detection and treatment are being carried out under the National Multisectoral Action Plan 2023–2031. These include expanding primary healthcare services and improving screening to identify people at risk and facilitate early diagnosis.
As part of this year’s World Diabetes Day activities, the HPA will introduce a Diabetes Management Protocol. The agency, in collaboration with the Maldives Diabetes Society, is also holding a nationwide swimming event, ‘Maldives Swims for Diabetes’, today.
An ‘Early Action on Diabetes’ forum is scheduled for 16 November, alongside diabetes screening and awareness programmes planned across Raa Atoll in partnership with the National Diabetes Centre.
