The diabetes epidemic in Sri Lanka – a growing problem

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, which was once considered a disease of the developed world, has become a worldwide pandemic, with two thirds of the global diabetic population living in the developing countries. Local studies show a definite upward trend in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. The earliest available study on a rural community in 1990 reported a prevalence of 2.5%. The largest-ever study on the diabetes prevalence in Sri Lanka was published in 2005. It showed a prevalence of 14.2% among males and 13.5% among females.The World Health Organisation and the International Diabetic Federation estimates and forecasts are much lower than the available local prevalence rates, and what may be predicted from the prevalence rates in South India. Further research is necessary to investigate the exact underlying mechanisms for the South Asian epidemic. Wider preventive programmes need to be urgently implemented to stem the tide.

Analysis of Severity and Anatomical Distribution of Diabetic Foot Ulcers; A Single Unit Experience

“…Disease prevalence is alarmingly high as one in five adults has either diabetes or pre diabetes and one third of them are undiagnosed (Katulandaet al, 2008). Diabetes is thriving in epidemic proportions, which is quite evident when comparing with the disease prevalence in early nineties in rural populations which was as little as 2.5% (Katulanda et al, 2006). It is also the commonest cause of foot ulceration in the country according to a hospital based study carried out two decades ago (Fernando, 1996).…”

Practices related to sharps disposal among ambulatory patients with diabetes on insulin therapy

“…Diabetes mellitus has grown into epidemic proportions in Sri Lanka [1,2]. Management of diabetes requires regular blood sugar assessment, oral medications and insulin injections.…”

The Dramatic Spread of Diabetes Mellitus Worldwide and Influence of Helicobacter pylori

“…DM which was once considered a disease of the developed world has become a worldwide pandemic, resembling an ocean wave flooding the whole world with two thirds of the diabetic population living in the developing side of the globe [7,8]. As much as the precise statistical revision strongly correlates between the prevalence of H. pylori and the flare up of DM in developing countries, it also reveals that the diabetic challenge was not as such in these countries before attacking the bug with antibiotics [7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…As much as the precise statistical revision strongly correlates between the prevalence of H. pylori and the flare up of DM in developing countries, it also reveals that the diabetic challenge was not as such in these countries before attacking the bug with antibiotics [7][8][9][10][11][12].…”