KUWAIT: Around 14.6 percent of adults in Kuwait have high blood glucose levels, the Ministry of Health (MoH) revealed on Wednesday, citing a study conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a ceremony to mark the 'World Diabetes Day', head of the MoH's media office Ghalia Al-Mutairi noted that around 6.1 percent of adults have been diagnosed with blood disorders. Moreover, she revealed that diabetes accounted for 4 percent of the total of deaths in Kuwait in 2012, adding that the disease is prevalent in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

The number of diabetics in the world has quadrupled since 1980, the result of obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, Mutairi added. She also highlighted the need for diabetics to undergo regular medical tests to help treat the disease.

Meanwhile, MoH announced that it is due to host next month 17 international consultant physicians who will be conducting intricate surgical procedures, with help from a multinational contingent of doctors in the country. In a statement issued yesterday, MoH noted that the visit is part of the ministry's endeavor of inviting health experts to Kuwait on a monthly basis, where they will share their knowhow with local doctors. Moreover, the 17 consultant physicians, all of whom are well versed in a variety of medical fields, hail from nine nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, France and others. The physicians will also take part in medical lectures, workshops and conferences, the statement added. MoH routinely undertakes such initiatives in efforts to infuse some international expertise into the country's healthcare system. - KUNA