How to Reduce the Prevalence of type-II Diabetes in the Gulf Area? A focus on Saudi Arabia

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am most thankful to my family colleagues and instructor for providing me assistance and guidance throughout the tenure of this research project. This research would not have been completed without their undue support.

DECLARATION

I declare that this study has not been published previously and represents my own work based on the secondary and the primary research analysis.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence of diabetes in the gulf region focusing on Saudi Arabia. The objectives of the proposed research are to determine the use of laws for preventing the prevalence of T2D in Saudi Arabia and to explore the critical factors within the law contributing to prevent the prevalence of T2D in Saudi Arabia. It was found that The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia is not only committed to provide treatment to the impacted people but the Ministry is also committed to take preventive measures and in providing education to masses. But, there are still many efforts that are to be taken. The rule related to the training of healthcare professionals and to make them expert to deal with patients is another aspect for which the Ministry of Health must be praised. It was started in the year 2010 when a short course of five days was introduced about the nutrition that can help in controlling diabetes. This training is provided to the healthcare professionals working in the diabetic centers that are built by the Saudi government. This training that is provided to the nutritionist and healthcare professionals at diabetic centers is focused on the diabetic nutrition which in turn would cast positive impact on the health of diabetic patients. Besides the nutrition course there are other courses that the Ministry of Health is aiming to provide to healthcare professionals to make them more skilled and expert in dealing with this disease (Ministry of Health, 2010).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

LIST OF FIGURESVIII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Background1

1.2 Laws for the Prevention of Diabetes3

1.3 Problem Statement6

1.4 Research Aim and Objectives11

1.5 Research Questions12

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW - THE CHALLENGE OF DIABETES MELLITUS12

2.1 Prevalence of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia13

2.2 Factors Contributing Towards Diabetes in the Gulf Region16

2.2.1 Obesity16

2.2.2 Socioeconomic Factors17

2.2.3 Food Consuming Patterns17

2.2.4 Physical Dormancy18

2.3 Possible Interventions to Reduce Prevalence of Type II Diabetes19

2.3.1 The Role of Physical Activity20

2.3.2 The Role of Improved Nutrition21

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY24

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS OF THE LAWS AND INTERVENTIONS26

4.1 Regulations by the Ministry of Health26

4.2 Regulating the Food Industry27

4.3 Laws and Regulations of the Saudi Society for Diabetes28

4.3.1 Article 128

4.3.2 Article 228

4.3.3 Article 329

4.4 Need of a Comprehensive Implementation of the Laws29

4.5 Summary30

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION32

5.1 Implications of the Research32

5.2 Social- Economic Recommended Interventions33

5.2.1 Legal recommendation of laws to be implemented in Saudi Arabia33

5.2.1.1 Creation of Awareness by the Governments and Various Healthcare Authorities33

5.2.1.2 Formulation of policies regarding the intake of sugar per day34

5.2.1.3 Increase funding on research and control of the rising rate35

5.2.1.4 Standardizing Sports Activities for Both ...