Coronavirus: ‘Covid kilos’ put on during the pandemic can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

Medics said lack of physical activity and eating sugary snacks is making people insulin resistant

A runner on Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

E-scooter users at the corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A resident enjoys a bike ride at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

A resident takes a stroll on Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

A dog owner takes his pet for exercise on the corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Cyclists were among those seen at the corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents enjoy returning to the corniche. Victor Besa / The National

A roller blader on Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Two women go for a walk along Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

A man goes for a jog along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A man enjoys a walk at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

A cyclist at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Doctors in the UAE have warned of an increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to the unhealthy lifestyle of people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Medics said spending too much time on video calls, a lack of physical activity and a tendency to eat sugary snacks while working from home is contributing to some alarming statistics.

The increased risk was also seen in children and young adults.

“Over the past six months, I have encountered a lot of children and teenagers suffering from insulin resistance, obesity and higher risk of type 2 diabetes due to increased screen time and unhealthy snacking,” said Dr Yasmine Haddad, child and adult nutritionist and clinical dietician at myPediaclinic, a healthcare centre in Dubai Healthcare City.

Around a million people suffer from diabetes in the UAE. The country ranks 15th on a list of countries with most diabetic patients.

Doctors at myPediaclinic said 17.3 per cent of the UAE’s population between the ages of 20 and 79 live with type 2 diabetes.

Many of these people have developed the condition after leading sedentary lifestyles and adopting unhealthy eating habits.

According to the National Health Survey 2019, adult obesity in the UAE was around 27.8 per cent. Even children are at risk, with 14 per cent of those between 5-17 years being overweight.

Doctors urge people to shed the extra “Covid kilos” gained during the stay-at-home months before it leads to health complications like diabetes.

“It is very important to create health and nutrition awareness among parents and children, and encourage them to practice healthy eating habits at home, as well as regular physical activity,” said Dr Haddad.

“It is important to choose your meals and snacks wisely and make sure they are nutritious in order to keep your blood sugar and hormones balanced.”