| Aziz Idris |
THE number of obeses schoolchildren in Brunei Darussalam is increasing by one per cent every year with 50 per cent being categorised as overweight and obese. Global School Health Survey (GSHS) in 2014 shows that younger generations are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCD) including Type 2 Diabetes.
This was said by Nursing Officer Azelina binti Pauzi during a Diabetes Awareness Campaign inconjunction with World Diabetes Day at Pengiran Anak Puteri Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Religious School in Kampong Serusop yesterday.
She highlighted that there is an alarming number of diabetes cases among schoolchildren aged 13 – 17.
“If the rate of obesity continues to rise and if the population does not adopt a healthy lifestyle, the number of diabetic patients will inevitably rise, especially among the younger generation.
“Type 2 Diabetes is largely preventable, thus, we need to encourage children to take charge of their health and inspire to live healthily,” she added.
The programme’s main objective was to raise awareness among students and parents about diabetes; healthy lifestyle and healthier food choices.
It is hoped that by instilling the ideal of a healthy lifestyle from an earlier age, students of these schools will be more aware of diabetes and its impact.
A similar programme will be held at Pengiran Anak Puteri Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam Religious School in Kampong Mulaut and Beribi Religious School.
Among the activities during the awareness programme included an interactive health talk and an exhibition about diabetes and healthy lifestyle to students at their school; healthy supermarket tour with students and their parents at Supa Save Beribi, which is recognised as a healthy supermarket by the Ministry of Health.