15.5% of Tunisian adults affected, half of whom are unaware of their condition

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, organized on November 14 each year, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed the importance of prevention, treatment and monitoring to prevent complications of this disease.

The ministry stressed, in a press release, the importance of following the doctor’s recommendations and carrying out the necessary analyzes and examinations before the scheduled medical consultation.

According to the same source, patients are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. It is also recommended to exercise regular physical activity and to avoid tobacco and alcohol. Carried out in 2016, the last national census revealed that 15.5% of Tunisians (aged 15 and over) had diabetes, half of whom were unaware of their condition.

The ministry also indicated that data from the National Program for the Care of Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients revealed, in 2023, the monitoring and provision of medications to nearly 966 thousand diabetic or hypertensive patients.

Globally, the ministry said the number of people with diabetes in 2021 had exceeded 420 million, and is expected to reach 570 million by the end of 2030.

As part of its efforts to raise awareness of the importance of preventing diabetes complications, the Directorate of Basic Health Care at the Ministry of Health has scheduled, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, a series of activities in different regions, including open days to raise public awareness of the importance of screening for the disease.

The ministry also announced the organization of an online scientific conference for front-line doctors in the regions, covering the main recommendations in the field of diabetes care and monitoring, as well as a campaign information.