Number of diabetics to soar in Saudi Arabia

The number of diabetics is expected to increase by 283 percent in Saudi Arabia by 2030 due to the Saudis' lifestyle, diet and obesity, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), local al-Hayat Newspaper said on Saturday. The number of diabetes cases in Saudi Arabia is the second highest in the region following the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a result, amputations of feet due to diabetes in the country have reached an alarming level with an average of 50 cases daily. Jizwa Al Otaibi, a specialist in diabetic foot care, said that the cases of amputation are very high and could be attributed to diabetics' lacking of knowledge of how to take care of their feet. The specialist added the best way to take care of the feet is to regularly visit doctors and follow certain feet care steps.