Diabetes in Morocco: 2.7 million cases, half unaware
For World Diabetes Day, Morocco's Health Ministry reports that 2.7 million Moroccan adults have diabetes, about half unknowingly, with annual costs exceeding 1.5 billion dirhams.
Nearly 2.7 million Moroccan adults live with diabetes, and about half of those affected are unaware of it, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection issued for World Diabetes Day, marked every year on 14 November, reported by Hespress.
According to the results of the National Survey on Common Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases for 2017 and 2018, diabetes prevalence among adults aged 18 and over reaches 10.6%, while 10.4% of Moroccan adults are in the pre-diabetes stage. The number of children with the disease exceeds 43,000, reflecting the scale of the health challenges linked to this chronic illness.
The Ministry warned of the serious health consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment, particularly heart and kidney disease, vision loss and limb amputation, stressing that early detection helps prevent medical emergencies, especially diabetic ketoacidosis among children and adolescents.
What warning signs should you watch for?
The Ministry of Health is urging citizens to watch for the following warning signs, and to go immediately to a health facility or consult a doctor as soon as they appear:
- Intense, persistent thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe fatigue
- Vision problems
The cost of the disease for families and the health budget
Diabetes also represents a major economic and social burden: related annual spending exceeds 1.5 billion dirhams, according to data from the National Health Insurance Agency (ANAM) for 2021, with an average annual growth rate for this spending above 10%.
How does Morocco compare with the rest of the world?
Globally, more than 589 million adults live with diabetes, a number expected to reach 853 million by 2050, according to the Ministry, which noted that 43% of people with diabetes worldwide are unaware of their condition — a lower share than in Morocco, where it is close to half.
The Ministry said tackling this challenge is among its sectoral priorities through a national programme built on primary healthcare institutions and local health structures, focused on awareness, prevention, early detection, therapeutic education and patient support, alongside strengthening health workers' skills and mobilizing the media to spread prevention messages.
Morocco chose to mark World Diabetes Day this year under the theme "Early intervention against diabetes protects your health," while the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to improve care for diabetes patients and ensuring fair access to quality, affordable health services.