One in five UAE adults has diabetes as cases could reach 1.9 million by 2050

Dubai: About 1.3 million adults in the UAE are living with diabetes, equivalent to one in five adults, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health and Prevention to mark World Diabetes Day. The ministry said the number is projected to reach 1.9 million by 2050 if current trends continue, highlighting the growing health and economic burden of the disease. Diabetes currently costs the UAE an estimated Dh9 billion annually. The ministry said the UAE continues its national efforts to prevent diabetes and reduce its health and economic impact by raising awareness of the importance of early and regular screening and adopting a proactive approach to community health. As part of national prevention efforts, the UAE has an updated plan for 2026-2030 that shifts the focus from treatment to proactive prevention. The ministry said enhanced prevention measures could save 32,000 lives over 15 years and add 221,000 years of healthy life, alongside approximately Dh20 billion in economic savings. Early and regular screening is a key part of the preventive approach. The ministry highlighted the IFHAS and Etmenan programmes, which support the early detection of diabetes. It also urged people not to wait for symptoms to appear, stressing that early screening can help detect diabetes and prediabetes in a timely manner. The ministry said diabetes risk factors vary from person to person and encouraged people to understand their individual risks, seek appropriate medical advice and take proactive steps to protect their health. It also highlighted the importance of physical activity and health awareness, as well as fostering a culture of prevention to help reduce diabetes-related complications and improve quality of life. The UAE's national efforts also include advancing national plans and exploring the use of modern technologies to predict the risk of metabolic disorders, strengthen prevention and reduce diabetes-related complications.