Modification of Lifestyle, the Most Important Solution in Preventing Diabetes

Noting that according to statistics of the World Health Organization until 2030, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the world, the Health Deputy of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences stated that modification of lifestyle can prevent this disease or delay it.

Stating that programs of the World Health Organization in 2016 have focused on diabetes, Dr. Hamidreza Bahrami said that diabetes epidemic is rapidly increasing in many countries. According to documents and studies conducted in low-income and middle-income countries, this increase is more considerable such that about 347 million people worldwide suffered from diabetes in 2008. 

He pointed out that in 2012, diabetes was the direct cause of death of about 1.5 million people, 80% of which belonged to low-income and middle-income countries. According to estimates by WHO, diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030.

Noting that a large proportion of diabetes cases is preventable, the Health Deputy of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences pointed out that modification of lifestyle is effective in delaying the risk of type 2 diabetes.

He considered maintaining normal body weight, regular physical activities, and a healthy diet as causes of decrease in the development of diabetes.

The Health Deputy of the University also stated that diabetes is curable and its complications can be prevented by controlling it.

Dr. Bahrami emphasized on the participation of other sectors of development including employers, manufacturers, media and private sectors in preventing and controlling this disease.