| Fizah HAB |
DIABETES is the third leading cause of death in Brunei Darussalam after cancer and heart disease, Acting Senior Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health Dr Hajah Norol Ehsan binti Haji Abdul Hamid said.
“The rate of diabetic disease among adults in Brunei is 9.7 per cent, with the pre-diabetic rates at 2.1 per cent, according to national surveys on non-communicable diseases conducted for the period from 2015-2016,” Dr Hajah Norol Ehsan made these comments in her welcoming speech as the co-chairperson of a special health forum entitled ‘Diabetes: Family Responsibility’ held at the multipurpose hall of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Kiulap yesterday.
“Although this rate appears to be low, many patients however suffer from burdensome diabetic complications such as eye damage, as well as damage to small blood vessels that occur in the limbs such as the feet and other areas.”
The event continued with a panel discussion on diabetes and ways to prevent and manage the disease. Methods on practising a healthy lifestyle were also deliberated on.
The event was hosted by the Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Health Promotion Centre and RIPAS Hospital’s Diabetes Centre to mark World Diabetes Day.
It was aimed to raise awareness on the importance of practising a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of diabetes and the importance on treating and supporting family members that have diabetes.
The guest of honour was the spouse of the Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health Dr Hajah Roslin binti Haji Sharbawi.
Panellists included endocrinology consultant from the Ministry of Health Dr Hajah Haslinda binti Haji Mohd Hassan, an officer from the Islamic Da’wah Centre Pengiran Norhayati binti Pengiran Haji Kasharan and an officer at the Ministry of Health Erni Asyura binti Hassan.
Others included a psychology officer at the Health Promotion Centre Nor Syahmun binti Haji Matassan, senior officers from the MoH, members of NGOs including the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam (CWBD) and Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) and guests.
