In 2018, one in thirty Moldovans or almost 120 thousand people suffered from diabetes. One out of ninety persons died from complications of diabetes, the population mortality index for diabetes being 11.8 per 100 thousand inhabitants. The data was presented by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection in the context of the International Day for prophylaxis and control of diabetes which is marked on November 14.
According to specialists, type 1 and type 2 diabetes is a chronic pathology. Type 1 occurs in children, adolescents and young people (in 5% of cases), when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs in adults (in 95% of cases), when the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin or when the body cannot use the insulin it produces. The disease implies an increased risk for physical incapacity for work and early lethality.
Diabetes can be prevented and controlled by involving the family, by adjusting nutrition and by jointly practicing physical activities. This year, on International Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Health, together with other partners, is holding an event in Peresecina, Orhei district, in order to promote health. The event involves screening activities, namely blood glucose measurement, body mass index calculation, abdominal circumference measurement, etc. Additionally, patients with high risk of type 2 diabetes will be counseled, while those diagnosed with the disease will be examined.
Similar health promotion community activities will be carried out in nine other villages - Albota de Sus, Boșcana, Talmaza, Ermoclia, Trinca, Cismekioi, Ohrincea and Susleni.
Health promotion activities carried out within the project "Healthy life: reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases" are funded by the Swiss Cooperation Bureau and carried out by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, with Switzerland being the largest bilateral grant donor to the health sector of Moldova.
