Diabetes should be prevented whenever possible because neglecting it may result in grave damages to health, Minister of State for Health Gábor Zombor said at a press conference held on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.
He said diabetes poses serious challenges, but type II. of the disease can be prevented through diet and exercise, while the condition itself can be managed with proper attention. Local initiatives to combat the disease – such as involving basic medical care in the process and training local communications specialists – are in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, he added.
Krisztina Török, director of the National Health Development Institute (OEFI) said that the number of people with diabetes in Hungary is estimated to be between 600,000 and 700,000 but without due attention, the number could be doubled by 2025. She also noted that the institute has made a short educational film for schools on the prevention of the disease.
World Diabetes Day has been observed since 1991 on the birthday of Canadian Nobel Prize winner Frederick Grant, the physician who discovered insulin.