Khaberni - Dr. Ibtisam bin Nasef, professor of endocrinology and diabetes at Charles Nicolle Hospital and a member of the Tunisian Association for Endocrinology and Diabetes, warned of the alarming increase in chronic diseases in Tunisia.
Dr. Ibtisam bin Nasef confirmed that the figures have become frightening, posing a true health challenge for the country, as recent statistics show that one in every four Tunisians suffers from diabetes.
Data indicate that diabetes is spreading rapidly, with the national health study of Tunisians over 15 years old, conducted by the National Institute of Health in 2016, showing that one in every five Tunisians is affected by diabetes.
More alarmingly, half of those affected were not aware of their condition, making diabetes a "silent disease" that infiltrates without clear symptoms, yet it is the leading cause of renal failure and vision loss and is associated with a rise in early mortality rates.
The numbers don't stop there; the latest 2023 statistics from the Tunisian Association for Atherosclerosis Studies and Research show that the percentage has risen to one in every four Tunisians being affected by diabetes—an escalating, alarming rate.
The spread of diabetes is attributed to a combination of factors, primarily genetic, alongside morbid obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy lifestyle, and a diet rich in sugars and fats.
This has resulted in the average age of onset decreasing to 40 years, previously around 45 years.
In this context, Dr. bin Nasef emphasized the importance of prevention, noting that weight management is a crucial step as studies show that reducing weight by ten kilograms can decrease the risk of developing diabetes by up to 30%.
She also encouraged regular physical activity, even if it's just walking for 30 minutes a day, alongside following a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, proteins, and reducing fast-absorbing sugars, sweets, sodas, and processed foods.
She pointed out that the figures are shocking but also a clear cry for action before chronic diseases become a burden on both individuals and the health system alike.
High blood pressure and obesity are on the rise
At the same time, other chronic diseases like high blood pressure, which affects 28.7% of Tunisians according to a 2016 study, are worsening.
Obesity is also a significant indicator, with a prevalence of 26% among adults and extending to 17% of all children in Tunisia, clearly indicating the transformation of living and dietary patterns.
