Bigger role for women urged on World Diabetes Day (with photos)

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     The Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, today (November 14) highlighted the important role of women in families in the prevention and control of diabetes. Speaking at a publicity and educational event, Dr Chan urged women to enhance their awareness and understanding on diabetes and to lead their family members to follow a healthy lifestyle, which can effectively reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

     Co-organised by the Department of Health (DH) and Diabetes Hongkong (DHK), the event tied in with World Diabetes Day (WDD), which this year has "Women and Diabetes - Our Right to a Healthy Future" as its theme. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization designated November 14 as the annual WDD in 1991 to address the growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes poses.

     Dr Chan said that diabetes is the 10th most common cause of death in Hong Kong and is now affecting around one in 10 people locally. According to the statistics of the DH, the number of registered deaths in 2016 in Hong Kong due to diabetes was 498, of which approximately half were females.

     "The main causes in Hong Kong, according to the IDF, are people's eating habits, the obesity problem and a sedentary lifestyle. Nevertheless, up to 70 per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented through adoption of a healthy lifestyle," Dr Chan added.

     Another officiating guest of today's event was the President of DHK, Dr Chow Wing-sun. In addition, an endocrinologist from DHK discussed ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. Diabetes-friendly recipes contributed by DHK dietitians and published by the DH's Primary Care Office (PCO) were also introduced to further promote healthy eating to both diabetic patients and the general public. Participants were guided by dietitians to examine food labels so as to choose healthier snacks and pre-packaged food from supermarkets and were led by a nurse to take part in a family workout exercise.

     Members of the public may visit the website of the DH's PCO and the designated website for WDD 2017 for more information on primary care and diabetes care.

Ends/Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:22

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The Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, today (November 14) highlighted the important role of women in families in the prevention and control of diabetes. Speaking at a publicity and educational event co-organised by the Department of Health and Diabetes Hongkong, Dr Chan urged women to enhance their awareness and understanding on diabetes and to lead their family members to follow a healthy lifestyle, which can effectively reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

From left: the Head of the Primary Care Office of the Department of Health, Dr Sarah Choi; the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan; the President of Diabetes Hongkong, Dr Chow Wing-sun; and endocrinologist Dr Michele Yuen are pictured today (November 14) at the launch ceremony of the publicity and educational event tied in with World Diabetes Day.

The Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan (front row, second right), takes part in a family workout exercise led by a nurse at the publicity and educational event tied in with World Diabetes Day today (November 14).