TAIF: Princess Adela Bint Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz said at a conference here that diabetes was becoming a major problem in the Kingdom and other Arab countries. She was speaking at the “Diabetes, Education and Prevention” conference, which was held Sunday by the Department of Health Affairs in Taif on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. The Princess said that studies have shown an increased incidence of diabetes in many countries. Six Arab countries, including the Kingdom, are among the top 10 countries globally in terms of the number of people suffering from the disease. She noted that 80 percent of people suffering from Type II diabetes are obese. She said the conference aims to increase awareness of the illness. Dr. Humaid Al-Sawat, Coordinator of the conference, said 500 male and female specialists from different regions of the Kingdom are participating in the event. Dr. Fahd Al-Ghamdi, Director of the Children's Hospital, confirmed that the facility has 425 children registered as being diabetic. Their cases are being followed up by specialists. Al-Ghamdi said the two-day conference will discuss a number of subjects including Type I diabetes, the dangers of obesity to society, osteoporosis and nutrition. Dr. Abdul Rahman Kurkman, Director of Health Affairs in Taif, said a number of initiatives have been undertaken to create awareness about the illness. He said 1,500 lectures and seminars were held over the past year at universities, schools, markets and public places. There are 23,566 registered diabetes patients at Taif's health centers undergoing treatment. Those requiring advanced intervention are referred to specialist hospitals.
