Diabetes Killed Over 500 People in Hong Kong Last Year

Nov. 14 marks World Diabetes Day, an annual awareness campaign used to remind members of the public to be vigilant in preventing diabetes. On this day, the Department of Health urged the Hong Kong people to increase their physical activity and get screened for diabetes, according to a government press release.

Diabetes is an increasingly common chronic condition, which affects how the body turns food into energy. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which affects a small minority of 5-10% of people with the condition. While largely preventable, Type 2 diabetes is developed by unhealthy habits, affecting up to 90% of people with diabetes. Over time, diabetes may lead to heart disease, blindness, and kidney diseases.

Diabetes is a major cause of mortality in Hongkong, registering 548 deaths alone in 2021. It is often asymptomatic in the early stages, but as the disease develops, you may experience symptoms such as increased thirst, excessive urination, increased appetite, fatigue, poor wound healing, heart attacks, stroke, and diabetic foot disease.

According to the Hong Kong Reference Framework for Diabetes Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings, people aged 45 and above should screen for diabetes to avoid delayed treatment.

Government efforts, such as the “10,000 Steps a Day” campaign, are intended to increase the activity levels of Hong Kongers to help prevent diseases brought on by sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle habits.