DUBAI, 2 December 2004 — A spiraling increase in diabetes has been a heavy price to pay for the rapid modernization of the Gulf states, threatening more than half of the region’s local population. The switch to a Western-style sedentary life from a physically demanding nomadic existence over the last 50 years has contributed to the spread of the disease and experts say governments must take action to fight it.

“At least 50 percent of the region’s nationals either have diabetes or are at high-risk of developing it,” said Dr. Belal Alshammaa of the American Hospital in the UAE.

The UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait were among the five countries in the world with the highest diabetes prevalence in the adult population in 2003, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

While their forefathers traversed harsh desert climes on camels and sustained themselves on protein-rich diet, many Gulf Arabs today race the streets of their modern capitals in sports cars and have adopted Western fast-food and confectionary.

“The Gulf is at a higher risk of the spread of the disease because of the luxury lifestyle and laziness,” said Lolwa Al-Obeidli, director of the Qatar Diabetic Association (QDA).

“More and more children are becoming overweight, with fast-food chains lining every corner and maids in every household to do everything for them,” she said.

Diabetes, which has grown six-fold in the last two decades to affect 194 million people worldwide, is a result of problems with the body’s production and supply of insulin. It may lead to blindness, strokes and heart attacks.

The disease is non-curable. But so-called type 2 diabetes, the fastest-growing, can be treated with more exercise and a healthier diet as obesity is one of the main causes.

Experts say governments need to step up awareness campaigns about diabetes, as the symptoms can go undetected for years, and increase spending to fight the disease.

The IDF recently celebrated World Diabetes Day dubbed “Fight Obesity Prevent Diabetes”, and Dubai will in February host a conference on the disease for Gulf states.

But health experts say the real work begins at home. “I know that Ounud’s extra 33 kg is not good for her diabetes,” said the mother of a 10-year-old Qatari girl. “Recently, I’ve been trying to get her to exercise and help around the house instead of asking the maid.”