Survey Reveals 6.5 Million Thais Diagnosed with Diabetes

Bangkok, November 14 – On World Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) revealed a troubling statistic: 6.5 million Thai people are living with diabetes. The ministry emphasized the importance of behavioral changes to reduce disease risk, urging people to consume a variety of foods, focus on low-sugar fruits and vegetables, and maintain regular physical activity.

Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin stressed that diabetes is a global health concern with a steadily increasing number of cases due to lifestyle and environmental factors. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, 1 in 10 people worldwide—about 537 million individuals—have diabetes, with more than 4 million annual deaths. By 2030, cases are projected to rise to 643 million and could reach 783 million by 2045.

In Thailand, the majority of cases are Type 2 diabetes, with 40% of patients unaware of their condition. This highlights the critical issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.

Under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership, the government has prioritized preventing and controlling NCDs through public health networks. The Ministry of Public Health is encouraging people to "count carbs" in their daily diets to reduce diabetes risks. This initiative is driven by local volunteers.

Key Lifestyle Recommendations:

• Diet: Focus on diverse meals, including vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and whole grains. Avoid excessive sweet, fatty, and salty foods.
• Physical Activity: Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily or accumulate 150 minutes per week.
• Mental Health: Maintain a positive outlook, reduce stress, and ensure adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night).
• Health Monitoring: Individuals aged 35 and older should undergo annual diabetes screening, aiming for fasting blood sugar levels below 100 mg/dL. Early detection and treatment can minimize complications.

The ministry also supports a remission approach for Type 2 diabetes, focusing on dietary and lifestyle modifications to maintain blood sugar levels without medication for at least three months.

Source:ThaiHealth
For more information about diabetes symptoms, visit the ArokaGO health library.