Diabetes in Malta : current findings and future trends

Diabetes is a considerable global problem. Recent projections suggest that at least 194 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide. The World Health Organization suggests this number will increase to 333 million by 2025. Approximately four million deaths each year are caused by diabetes-related complications totaling an astounding 9% of deaths worldwide. Currently, epidemiological studies indicate that 1% of the Maltese population suffer from Type I Diabetes Mellitus and 9% from Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Following global predictions, it is probable that the incidence of Type I diabetes will increase also. This article evaluates the current Maltese diabetic care system and conducts a strategic analysis of diabetic practices. Recommendations for a cost-effective standard of care, legislative support for comprehensive diabetic care, and a national policy are proposed.peer-reviewe

Maternal awareness of health promotion, parental and preschool childhood obesity

Aim: To investigate the association between parental and preschool childhood obesity, as well as maternal awareness of public health promotion on healthy eating with parental and preschool childhood obesity. Methods: Data were collected by measuring the height and weight of two hundred randomly selected three-year old children and their parents. Details of the early feeding and dietary styles and level of health promotion awareness were assessed in faceto-face structured health interviews with the parents. Results: There were statistically significant relationships between childhood obesity and parents’ obesity (r=0.2; p<0.001). A higher proportion of overweight and obese preschool children showed that their mothers lacked awareness of health promotion as compared to children with normally accepted weight (χ2 (6, n=200)=17.32, p=0.008). Maternal awareness of health promotion on healthy eating appeared to have a protective effect against overweight/obesity in three year old children (odds ratio=0.38, 95% CI=0.20 to 0.70). Furthermore, a higher proportion of overweight/obesity mothers had no awareness of health promotion as compared to mothers with normally accepted weight (χ 2 (4, n=200)=13.29, p=0.01). Maternal awareness of health promotion appeared to also have a protective effect against overweight/obesity in mothers (odds ratio=0.51, 95% CI=0.28 to 0.95). Conclusions: This study showed the protective effect of maternal awareness of health promotion on maternal and preschool childhood obesity. Additionally, this study showed that overweight and obese preschool children had parents who were also overweight and obese.peer-reviewe

¥issue 01

Abstract Diabetes is a considerable global problem. Recent projections suggest that at least 194 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide. The World Health Organization suggests this number will increase to 333 million by 2025. Approximately four million deaths each year are caused by diabetes-related complications totaling an astounding 9% of deaths worldwide. Currently, epidemiological studies indicate that 1% of the Maltese population suffer from Type I Diabetes Mellitus and 9% from Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Following global predictions, it is probable that the incidence of Type I diabetes will increase also. This article evaluates the current Maltese diabetic care system and conducts a strategic analysis of diabetic practices. Recommendations for a cost-effective standard of care, legislative support for comprehensive diabetic care, and a national policy are proposed. Introduction Diabetes is a considerable global problem. Recent projections suggest that at least 194 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide and the World Health Organization suggests this number will increase to 333 million by 2025. Approximately 4 million deaths each year are caused by diabetes-related complications, totaling an astounding 9% of deaths worldwide. Although no nations or cultures are exempt from this devastating disease, developing countries will account for 150% of the increase. 1 Diabetes was once considered a disease of wealthy countries but now is affecting low-income and developing countries that currently have the fastest growing numbers of newly diagnosed patients. For example, in India it is estimated that over the next 25 years, the number of citizens with diabetes will soar from 32 million currently affected to over 80 million persons diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, obesity and overweight, often precursors to diabetes, now affect an alarming 50-60% of a nation&apos;s population, not only in the USA, Europe and Australia, but also in lower to moderate income countries such as Mexico, Egypt and the black population of South Africa. The Costs of Diabetes Mellitus The expenses associated with caring for persons with diabetes are staggering Studies have shown that diabetes mellitus is a costly disease with Type II diabetes accounting for between 3% and 6% of total healthcare expenditures in eight European countries