Alarming rise in diabetes cases hits the nation, Health Control Office reports

The Health Control Office (HCO) in Songkhla province reported an alarming increase in diabetes cases among Thai citizens.

The statistics suggest a surge of diabetic patients from 4,980 in 2021, 5,148 last year, and 5,396 this year in the health area 12 alone. The highest prevalence is found in Phatthalung with 7,555 cases, followed by Trang and Songkhla with 6,820 and 6,219 patients respectively.

Thai citizens are gradually falling victim to this silent threat. The Health Data Center (HDC) found a rising trend in diabetes cases nationwide. The numbers increased from 7,010 in 2021, to 7,336 last year, and then to 7,692 in the current year per 100,000 population. The World Diabetes Day on November 14 will highlight the silent danger of diabetes, encouraging the public to change their behaviours to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

Dr Chalermpol Osothphromma, the director of HCO 12, elaborated that diabetes is a chronic disease resulting from a defect in the body’s production of insulin hormone or the inability to efficiently use sugar. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which over time can deteriorate organ function and lead to complications in the eyes, kidneys, heart vessels, and brain vessels, and makes wounds heal slowly, and numbness in hands and feet.

“Diabetes can be prevented by modifying health behaviours, consuming healthy food, avoiding sweet, fatty, and salty foods, not smoking, not consuming alcohol, and regularly exercising. People aged 35 years and above should check their blood sugar levels at least once a year and maintain appropriate body weight.”

Dr Chalermpol suggested that those experiencing frequent urination, dry throat, frequent thirst, hunger, weight loss, slow-healing wounds, skin itching, blurred vision, numbness in hands and feet, and decreased libido should seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment, reported KhaoSod.

In related news, a 14 year old boy from Jiangxi province, China, developed a staggering water-drinking habit. Consuming up to 30 litres of water per day, the boy becomes agitated without his abundant intake. Medical professionals finally diagnosed this unusual condition as diabetes insipidus, a rare disease causing extreme thirst. Read more about this story HERE.