In recognition of World Diabetes Day in November “Mēness aptieka” organised an expert discussion titled: “Obesity and diabetes: Treating one, preventing the other.”

Diabetes is the most common chronic disease in Europe. Experts of the discussion stressed that the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes are obesity and overweight, physical inactivity and genetic factors. Experts pointed out that in addition to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity also increases the risk of cardiovascular, oncological and respiratory diseases.

The incidence of diabetes and deaths from the disease continue to increase in Latvia and worldwide. In 2023, 7712 newly diagnosed patients were reported in Latvia. There are an estimated 64 million adults and 300 000 children and adolescents with diabetes in the World Health Organization`s European Region. Data reveal that one in ten people between the ages of 20 and 79 has diabetes.

“Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals and are often the first to see the red flags that a patient’s complaints of regular tiredness, slow healing wounds and tingling hands could be caused by diabetes, especially if the patient is overweight. When we advise patients to see their GP, and GP or other medical professional prescribes the necessary medication, patients often return to the pharmacy, expressing gratitude for our recommendation to see a doctor. If the client chooses one pharmacy, we can also see improvements over time, with less and less medication needed until the condition improves and health is restored. It is important that people get support not only from healthcare professionals, but also from their families and relatives,” said Evita Lārmane, a pharmacist at “Mēness aptieka” during the discussion.

Participants of the discussion also stressed that support from relatives, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle are key to regaining health in the case of obesity. Only after a careful assessment of each patient`s health, bariatric surgery can be chosen as a treatment method in some cases, confirmed Maksim Mukāns, surgeon at AIWA Clinic and board member of the Latvian Obesity Care Association.

Public awareness of the impact of overweight and obesity on developing type 2 diabetes is increasing, according to a comparison of the results of diabetes risk surveys conducted two years ago and in October this year by “Mēness aptieka” and the research agency “Norstat”. The 2024 survey shows that people identify obesity as the main risk factor for diabetes, followed by excessive consumption of sugary and sweetened drinks, a lack of physical activity and being overweight. In the 2024 survey, 75% of respondents stated that they believe being overweight causes diabetes, compared to 65% two years earlier.

The participants of “Mēness aptieka” organised discussion were Una Gailiša, endocrinologist at “Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital”, Head of the Endocrinology Outpatient Centre, Chairwoman of the “Association of Endocrinologists”, Indra Štelmane, Doctor of Medicine, endocrinologist, diabetologist, President of the “Latvian Diabetes Federation”, Lolita Vija Neimane, dietician, lecturer at “Riga Stradiņš University”, head of the study programme “Nutrition” and “Nutrition Science”, Maksim Mukāns, surgeon at “AIWA Clinic”, board member of the “Latvian Obesity Care Association”, Evita Lārmane, pharmacist at “Mēness aptieka”, Gunta Freimane, Chair of the Board of the “Latvian Diabetes Association”, Master of Psychology and Social Sciences, lecturer and research assistant at “Riga Stradiņš University”.