Obesity as a risk factor for clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background:According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 39 million people in the MENA Region are affected with diabetes; by 2045, this number is expected to rise tremendously. In Lebanon, there were 585,400 cases of diabetes in 2017. As the disease constitutes a major health problem in the region, awareness of various aspects of diabetes including knowledge about the types, causes and symptoms is crucial for the prevention, management and control of the disease. Educational programs targeted to people from different age groups and backgrounds are being implemented across Lebanon in order to raise the level of awareness in our population. Aims:The goals of awareness programs include warning the general population about diabetes, its serious complications, and its negative impact on the quality of life, if uncontrolled. Through appropriate education, individuals will become more aware of the risk factors and treatment of diabetes so they are able to prevent and manage the disease. Therefore, the National Diabetes Organization- DiaLebu2019s aims include encouraging individuals in the community to lead a healthy and more active lifestyle. Methods:DiaLeb has been working in the field of diabetes awareness for the past 10 years and collaborates with different schools and universities across Lebanon in order to promote better lifestyle choices and healthy habits amongst the youth and young adults. In addition, DiaLebu2019s community awareness programs aimed at the general public include free blood glucose and HbA1c testing and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and regular self-monitoring of blood glucose in people with diabetes. This way, the program also covers the adult population. During all our awareness campaigns, free diabetes educational materials are distributed to all the attendees to further promote diabetes awareness and spread diabetes knowledge.Results:In conclusion, diabetes awareness and education is key in diabetes prevention and control. DiaLeb continues to spread diabetes awareness through different programs in order to reach schools, universities, municipalities and other communities in Lebanon. Highlighting the importance of diabetes awareness plays a major role in encouraging communities to take preventive measures/actions. These actions can be taken by organizing awareness events to stress on the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for the prevention and management of diabetes. Discussion:DiaLeb ensures that all individuals with diabetes receive the proper treatment and correct information needed to better control their diabetes and prevent complications. Strategies to improve diabetes care and prevention need to be implemented on a nation-wide scale in order to reach the most effective results.Referenceswww.dialeb.orgwww.idf.org