Unlocking the secrets to tackling Type 2 Diabetes in Thailand

Unlocking the secrets to tackling Type 2 Diabetes in Thailand: Trends is in conversation with Ms. Phattiraporn Khiewsanun "Pim" for Episode 6. Filmed at ViMUT Hospital in Bangkok, the hub of healthcare in Thailand.

Welcome back to another episode of Health Matters Asia, your go-to source for the latest insights into health and wellness in Thailand. In today's episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ms. Phattiraporn Khiewsanun, affectionately known as "Khun Pim," the Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC). Our topic of discussion? The alarming rise of Type 2 Diabetes in Thailand and the strategies to combat it. The Diabetes Dilemma in Thailand and the surge in Type 2 Diabetes. While Thailand has a well-structured policy and strategic plan in place to address diabetes, it's been curiously silent on the issues of overweight and obesity, as well as physical inactivity, which are the prime culprits behind the Type 2 Diabetes epidemic.

According to a study conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), a staggering 11.6% of Thailand's population either has Type 2 Diabetes or is borderline at risk of developing it. This alarming statistic is largely attributed to the modern lifestyle that has swept across the kingdom. Khun Pim pointed out a fundamental shift in the Thai diet in urban areas. Traditionally, Thai cuisine was characterized by low fat, low sugar dishes bursting with the flavours of herbs and spices. However, in recent years, this has transformed into a high-fat, high-sugar menu that's contributing to the diabetes epidemic. In light of this dietary shift, Khun Pim emphasized the urgent need to revisit our eating patterns and embrace healthier alternatives. This includes not only a change in diet but also an increase in physical activity, improved sleep patterns and a heightened awareness of the importance of Vitamin D, as advised by Khun Pim's professor.

One compelling insight shared by Khun Pim is the power of family and community And the pivotal role played by family, partners and the immediate community in supporting individuals on their journey to managing Type 2 Diabetes. These close-knit networks can provide invaluable encouragement to reduce sugar intake and instill lasting lifestyle changes. Family members can inspire a shift towards healthier habits, making it more feasible for those at risk of Type 2 Diabetes to maintain a balanced diet and exercise routine. It's all about fostering an environment of support and understanding that empowers individuals to take control of their health.

Surprisingly, Khun Pim's research revealed a youthful conundrum. It's the younger generation in Thailand that's being significantly impacted by Type 2 Diabetes. Thai youngsters have adopted a Westernized diet with its sugar-packed dishes and drinks. This rise in Type 2 Diabetes in younger generations is due to the body's inability to effectively utilize insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. In some cases, this continual demand on the pancreas can exhaust it, leading to a decrease in insulin production and even higher blood glucose levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

Type 2 Diabetes is responsible for roughly 90% of all diabetes cases. It is now the most prevalent form of the diabetic condition. A rapid transformation in dietary choices and decreased physical activity, brought about by the development and urbanization of Thailand, has led to a significant uptick in Type 2 Diabetes cases. This condition, once primarily associated with older adults, is now impacting children, adolescents and younger adults, largely due to the rise in obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices.

In the wake of these startling revelations, it's clear that a paradigm shift is needed. By focusing on dietary adjustments, increased physical activity and the unwavering support of family and community, we can take meaningful steps toward combating the rise of Type 2 Diabetes in Thailand. It's time to reclaim our health and embark on a journey towards a happier, healthier future. Stay tuned to Health Matters Asia for more invaluable insights into our well-being, because your health matters!