Malta : Mediterranean Diabetes hub : a journey through the years

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus in Malta has been an established major health problem for years. It has been linked with cultural, geographical, historical, genetic as well and a change from a Mediterranean diet to a Westernized diet. This diabetes burden has lead to establishment of diabetes clinics both in the central general hospital, as well as in the community. Over the past 50 years, there have been two major epidemiological diabetes studies conducted to evaluate diabetes in the Maltese population. Diabetes in Malta: To date, there is no established national diabetes plan or diabetes register in Malta, although there has been the formation of a governmental diabetes focus group. The time is right for an updated prevalence study to look at the current Maltese generation and their changing determinants including diabetes risk factors and genetics, followed by the development of preventative strategies and policies. Conclusion: Over the years, diabetes burden has increased and become a public health and national financial concern. It is of utmost importance to address this national disease. An updated prevalence study would provide the evidence-based backbone for the development of diabetes preventive strategies and policies. The combination of which will enable the Maltese health services to be improved and better equipped to come to grips with this epidemic.