Pre-Existing Conditions - Diabetes. Facts and Tips

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 347 million people in the world suffer from diabetes. This is already a big figure, but studies seem to indicate that the number of sufferers is currently increasing. As a result, the healthcare systems of many countries worldwide will be badly affected soon. Since we receive many enquiries in relation to this pre-existing condition, we thought we would look at some facts, as well as tips for expats to prevent it when settling down in another country.

WHO says that 80% of sufferers live in low and middle income countries, some of which also happen to be popular expat destinations, such as China. In other areas around the world, diabetes is also growing quickly. Research company YouGov surveyed residents in the UAE in March this year to better understand how diabetes rates have impacted the Emirates. 58% of the Emirati surveyed reported that it ran in the family, as compared to 41% of Westerners and 54% of Asians. The WHO predicts that there will be 685,000 cases in the Emirates by 2030.

Just to give a bit of context, there are three types of diabetes. The two major types are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by a lack of insulin production, whereas type 2 diabetes sufferers are unable to make effective use of insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. A third type of diabetes is characterised by raised blood sugar levels, and which has been recognised or first appeared during pregnancy. 

Lifestyle changes can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is the only type that can actually be prevented, and yet it accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. How does this affect expatriates? When expats move to a new country, it is very easy to become less active than they might have been prior to moving to a new country, as a result of their adaptation process. 

It is also very easy to indulge in the variety of new and exotic foods available while leading a less active lifestyle. The temptation of tasty comfort food is often too much to resist. However, many of the respondents in the survey above cited weight and poor diet as the main perceived causes of diabetes in adults. 

So, let's look at some hints and tips for expats to lead a healthier lifestyle.

• Keeping an eye on your diet becomes essential.
  Eating dark and green orange veggies can help. For example, spinach, broccoli, carrots and winter squash.
• Eat good carbs, eg, whole grain cereals.
• Regular moderate exercise will be helpful. Just an hour's walk every day will help.
• Act early! Check your blood sugar levels, because high blood sugar levels can be corrected before lasting damage sets in.

While expatriates who suffer from this pre-existing condition would still be advised to check how diabetes can affect their policy, it is a good idea to take the necessary steps to prevent it.

Thanks for reading.