According to the 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, 218,100 adults in Mauritius, aged 20-79, live with diabetes. This represents about 22.2% of the adult population, making Mauritius the country with the highest diabetes prevalence in its region. The IDF report highlights the critical nature of the disease in Mauritius, with a significant proportion of the population affected.
The prevalence of diabetes in Mauritius is more than double the global average of 9.9%. The country's diabetes rate is also significantly higher than that of other countries in the South-East Asia region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka. The IDF report notes that Mauritius has the highest diabetes prevalence among the seven countries and territories in the region.
A concerning aspect of the diabetes situation in Mauritius is that 28.2% of adults living with the condition are undiagnosed. This translates to over 61,500 people who are unaware that they have diabetes and are therefore not receiving treatment. The IDF report emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent serious complications such as kidney failure, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease.
The IDF report also provides data on the economic burden of diabetes in Mauritius. The total healthcare expenditure related to diabetes is estimated to be $146.43 million annually, which is approximately $671.30 per person with diabetes. Furthermore, the report notes that there are 4,170 people living with type 1 diabetes in Mauritius, and 815 deaths annually are directly attributed to diabetes among adults aged 20-79.
The IDF projects that the number of adults living with diabetes in Mauritius will increase to 248,000 by 2050, with a standardized prevalence of 23.5%. This projection highlights the need for sustained efforts to prevent and manage diabetes in the country. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and obesity to mitigate the growing burden of diabetes.
The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day, "Act early against diabetes," is particularly relevant to Mauritius. The country's high diabetes prevalence and significant proportion of undiagnosed cases underscore the need for early detection and treatment. The IDF report encourages governments, healthcare providers, and individuals to take action to prevent and manage diabetes.
The Mauritian government and healthcare providers must take note of the IDF report's findings and projections. The report's data and recommendations can inform policy decisions and public health initiatives aimed at addressing the growing burden of diabetes in Mauritius. By taking a proactive approach to prevention and management, Mauritius can work towards reducing the impact of diabetes on its population.
Key points
- Mauritius has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, with over a quarter of its adult population living with the condition.
- The country has the highest diabetes prevalence in its region, with a rate more than double the global average.
- A significant proportion of Mauritian adults with diabetes are undiagnosed, highlighting the need for early detection and treatment.
