One in five Lankans affected by diabetes - womb-to-tomb disease

DIABETES is a serious public health issue here at home, with one in five Sri Lankans affected by this silent epidemic.

- BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE

One of the seven countries and territories in the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) South-East Asia Region, Sri Lanka has the third highest number of adults (20-79 years) with diabetes in the Region.

At the press briefing marking the 30th anniversary of the National Diabetes Centre, (NDC) which is the clinical arm of The Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka (DASL), its President and IDFs Regional Chair-Elect, Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke remarked that around 40% of the Sri Lankan population remains undiagnosed or untreated for diabetes.

"Diabetes is the mother of most noncommunicable diseases and it has become a womb-to-tomb lifestyle disease," said Dr. Sumanathilake who cited cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, vision loss and lower limb amputation among the leading morbidities and other life-altering effects caused by diabetes.

The Western Province of the country has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the county, given its more urbanised lifestyle that triggers the disease.

Types of diabetes