(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Qatar National Diabetes Registry, a comprehensive online tool to gather data on diabetes patients, will roll out at all primary healthcare centres by the year-end.
Launched last year as a pilot project, the registry is implemented at Qatar Diabetic Association (QDA), and will be expanded to 21 primary healthcare centres.
There is no unified data on diabetes patients in the country, although at least one-fourth of the population has lifestyle illnesses.
"The registry at a pilot stage now will be introduced at primary healthcare centres across the country," Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, Managing Director, QDA told a press conference yesterday.
Diabetes is estimated to affect 16.7 percent of Qataris, according to the 2012 Qatar STEPwise report. The International Diabetes Federation has predicted that 25 percent of Qataris will have diabetes by 2030 if the challenge is not addressed and lifestyles are not modified.
However, according to the recent report by the federation, Qatar has advanced from seventh to 10th rank in prevalence of diabetics, said Dr Al Hamaq.
The press conference was held ahead of World Diabetes Day which falls on November 14, to announce about six of a partnership of Qatar's largest public and private organisations that have resulted in creating awareness, research, screening and education about diabetes over the past three years.
The Supreme Council for Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, QDA, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Maersk Oil Qatar and Novo Nordisk were represented to share details about their work done together with Action on Diabetics.
Action on Diabetes has screened 22,000 people with the help of partners, engaged with thousands through awareness campaigns and supported five courses to educate doctors, nurses and diabetes educators on latest techniques in treatment and support.
The year 2014 has been the most successful to date, with 14,000 people screened for diabetes, mostly through workplace screening campaigns.
"A large number of people screened were found with potential diabetes. Many were smokers, overweight or obsessed and not following a proper diet," said Dr Al Hamaq.
To mark World Diabetes Day, Action on Diabetes will host its fourth annual Diabetes Screening Awareness Village at Katara on Friday and Saturday. The Action on Diabetes Screening Bus will be staffed with professional educators and separate tents will educate visitors on the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.
Maersk Oil Qatar is also hosting the annual Maersk Oil Qatar and Qatar Petroleum Challenge at Fuwerit this weekend.
Thirty corporate teams will compete. Registration fees will again go towards funding Al Bawasil Children's Camp for those with diabetes.
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