Amputations arising from diabetes is on the increase in the Kingdom, according to a local doctor.
Dr. Abdul-Wahab Bawahab, head of the ductless glands department at King Fahd General Hospital (KFGH), said there are 90 amputation cases a month in Riyadh.
In recent years, there has been a 22 percent increase in diabetics in Saudi society, he said, in a speech during an event held recently at the Al-Arab Commercial Mall, to commemorate World Diabetes Day, which is held every year on Nov. 14.
Bawahab said diabetes can be combated in numerous ways, including awareness, tackling weight problems and other lifestyle factors.
He noted that in a survey at KFGH, 85 percent of 180 participants did not know the causes of diabetes. Also, 90 percent of respondents did not know how to prevent diabetes. This suggested a lack of awareness, he said.
He warned that 40 percent of obese people are vulnerable to diabetes.
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
Saudi Gazette