Big around the Middle East

By G.S. and G.D.

Diabetes is a growing and lethal problem, especially among Arabs

WHEN countries become rich and waistlines grow, so does the risk of diabetes. The number of sufferers almost doubled over the past decade, and today afflicts 382m. Much of that increase occurred in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia the prevalence in adults jumped from about one-in-ten to almost a quarter of the population. Unhealthy eating and scant exercise are the main culprits. As oil money poured in, splurging on fast food increased and bellies swelled. Now 35% of Saudi Arabians qualify as obese; other rich Arab countries have similarly high levels. The disorder is dangerous. Last year it led to an estimated 5.1m deaths, according to a model by the International Diabetes Federation. The estimate would make diabetes three times more deadly than AIDS. Undiagnosed diabetes, which is estimated to account for about half of all cases, adds to this tally. It can silently damage a person’s body for years without showing any signs. This can lead to a nasty list of complications, from amputated feet to heart failure. It is a clarion call to pump iron, not just oil.