World Diabetes Day is being observed today (14) with a global focus on raising awareness about the disease and highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention.
This year’s theme calls for urgent action to address the growing challenge of diabetes. Several awareness programmes have been organised across Sri Lanka to mark the occasion.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Manilka Sumanathilaka, President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka and an endocrinologist at the National Hospital of Colombo, said diabetes had become a serious and rapidly increasing health concern in the country.
He said approximately 15% of adults in Sri Lanka were living with diabetes, while as many as 40% of those affected may be unaware of their condition.
The situation is particularly concerning in the Colombo District, where one in every four people is reportedly affected by diabetes.
Dr. Sumanathilaka also warned that childhood obesity could increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at an early age.
He stressed the importance of healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing the disease, while highlighting the need for greater public awareness and early screening.
