Attending an event in Colombo organized to mark World Diabetes Day, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni pointed out that one in every five people in the country suffers from diabetes. He noted that while this accounts for roughly 19 percent of the population, the actual figure could be even higher.

He also recalled that non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure, present a major challenge to the country's healthcare sector.

Key Points

  • Around 19 percent of the country's population suffers from diabetes, says Deputy Health Minister.
  • One in every four adults in the Colombo District is diagnosed with diabetes.
  • The public is urged to undergo regular medical tests even in the absence of symptoms.

Importance of early detection

The Deputy Minister said it is vital to undergo regular medical check-ups even if no external symptoms are visible. He explained that detecting the condition early and directing patients toward proper treatment and management can help prevent a host of serious complications later on.

He emphasized that failure to do so could lead to the condition worsening, requiring expensive procedures such as bypass surgeries, which places a heavy burden both on the patient's quality of life and on the country's overall healthcare system. It was also noted that considerable funds have been allocated in this year's budget to draw public attention to non-communicable diseases.

"Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka. We have identified that one in every five individuals in our population is living with diabetes. Roughly speaking, that is about 19 percent. However, this number could be even higher."
Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni

Situation in Colombo is even more serious

Meanwhile, the President of the Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation, Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke, pointed out that more than 15 percent of the country's adult population suffers from diabetes.

He further revealed that the situation is particularly alarming in the Colombo District, where one in every four adults has diabetes.