10 countries with high rates of diabetes

The oil-rich Arab countries and parts of the Pacific region have the highest rates of diabetes in the world.

The most effective diabetes prevention is considered to be a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. In addition, these methods reduce the likelihood of other co-morbid conditions, such as obesity.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body's blood sugar levels rise (hyperglycemia) due to insufficient insulin secretion or insensitivity to the hormone.

As a result, serious consequences can be observed. For example, organ loss, vision, neuropathy, coma, and even death. Stress, inactivity, nutrient-poor and energy-intensive diets, and obesity all contribute to a decrease in the production of insulin in the human body.

10. New Caledonia (20%)

New Caledonia includes a number of small islands in the South Pacific. Since 1999, this country, which is located on the east side of Australia, has been called the "territorial community" of France. The indigenous people, dating back to the era of French colonialism, are the Kanaks. Also, the population is made up of Europeans, Polynesians and many peoples of Southeast Asia.

A likely reason for the high incidence of diabetes in New Caledonia is believed to be its limited domestic agricultural industry, which makes it difficult for the population to maintain a healthy and varied diet.

9. Mauritius (21%)

The small island country of Mauritius is home to about a million people. This country is located near the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Indigenous people and tourists alike describe Mauritius as a tropical paradise. However, an increase in diabetes rates is also observed here.

The main causes of this chronic disease are called smoking and obesity. According to statistics from the World Health Organization in 2014, about 40% of the male population of this state are smokers. Poor nutrition, as well as being overweight, is one of the major health problems in Mauritius. For these reasons, people are more susceptible to diabetes.

8. Bahrain (22%)

Bahrain is a country located on an island in the Middle East in the western part of the Persian Gulf. The form of government of this country is a constitutional monarchy, the king rules here. This Arab country derives most of its profits from tourism and the banking industry. This makes Bahrain a high-income nation.

However, in addition to financial well-being, there are still problems in the country. At the moment, among the population of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a large number of people with obesity and diabetes are registered.

7. Kuwait (23%)

Kuwait is a country in the Middle East located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. This Islamic country, like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, is home to an estimated four million people. Kuwait is famous for its economy and is ranked sixth in the world oil reserves.

The country's currency, the dinar, is the most valuable in the world. Per capita income is the fourth highest. According to the results of the International Diabetes Federation, in Kuwait, over the previous year, there were about 400,000 cases of the disease. During this time, diabetes mellitus claimed 1142 adult lives.

6. Vanuatu (24%)

The Republic of Vanuatu is a chain of islands lying in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is a mountainous and volcanic island. The tropics dominate here. Vanuatu has three languages: English, French and Bislama. Farming is widespread in this country.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, among a local population of 250,000, there have been 20,300 cases of diabetes identified recently. One of Vanuatu's challenges is providing health care for local residents who live in rural areas. Vanuatu citizens trust the church and other local institutions more than official medicine.

5. Saudi Arabia (24%)

Saudi Arabia is an oil-rich kingdom located in the Middle East. Islam was born in this Arab country. Saudi Arabia is home to about 30 million people. Religious customs and state laws are very strict here. Repressions often take place in the country, mainly the female population.

Acts of violence are widespread in Saudi Arabia, one of which is the public beheading of a person being punished. 10% of the natives of Africa and the Middle East live on the "land of two shrines", the rest are mostly Arabs.

4. French Polynesia (24%)

French Polynesia includes over a hundred islands located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean. Previously, this country belonged to France. Currently it is its “constituent country”. The most attractive islands for tourists are Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Both of these resort islands have a significant impact on the tourism industry in French Polynesia, with beneficial effects on the overall economy. In this country, fish, cobalt are mined, the export of agricultural products is developed, for example, coconuts, vanilla and Tahitian black pearls. However, French Polynesia also has a large number of obese and diabetic people.

3. Kiribati (26%)

Kiribati includes over thirty islets and reef atolls. Previously, this Republic was a colony of the United Kingdom. The population of Kiribati is represented by citizens of Micronesian origin. Christmas Island has major health problems. These include diseases such as: tuberculosis, AIDS and diabetes.

In addition, there are difficulties with sanitation, lack of fresh water, food handling and high rates of infant mortality. This may be due to the fact that most of Kiribati are smokers.

2. Micronesia (36%)

Micronesia is a very tiny country located on a large number of small islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of four main island groups with a population of over 100,000. It has a tropical climate.

This factor, as well as the limited area, determined the specific diet of the population of Micronesia. Residents eat locally sourced food such as fish, taro, sweet potatoes, potatoes, chicken and pork. Traditional dishes are: kelagen, a chamorro dish (chicken, fish, beef or raw shrimp marinated with local ingredients such as coconut, lemon juice, green onions and peppers), served with rice or wrapped in a thin maize cake.

Currently, imports of high-calorie foods that are not native to this country contribute to an increase in the incidence of diabetes and obesity.

1. Marshall Islands (37%)

The Marshall Islands are no exception among isolated island countries where diabetes is common. Almost the entire population (50,000 people) belongs to the indigenous people - the marshalls. For 12 years, until 1958, the United States tested nuclear weapons on this territory.

As a result of these tests, environmental pollution occurred. In addition, the radiation level was exceeded to hazardous to health. According to the results of the World Health Organization, the main factor in the high incidence of diabetes is the Americanized diet. People are moving away from healthy local food in favor of fast food.