One in Five Sri Lankans Living with Diabetes

COLOMBO (News 1st)l Health authorities have revealed alarming statistics: one in every five Sri Lankans suffers from diabetes, amounting to 23%–30% of the population.

According to Dr. Kapila Banduthilaka, Consultant at the National Eye Hospital, one in three diabetic patients develops eye-related complications, and if left untreated, 11% risk permanent blindness.

Most affected individuals fall within the 40–50 age group, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and treatment.

The financial burden is equally staggering—Rs. 923 million annually is spent by health authorities on treating diabetes-related eye diseases.

Experts stress that timely medical intervention and lifestyle changes are critical to reducing these risks.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

feeling very thirsty
needing to urinate more often than usual
blurred vision
feeling tired
losing weight unintentionally
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Diabetes can cause permanent vision loss by damaging blood vessels in the eyes.

Many people with diabetes develop problems with their feet from nerve damage and poor blood flow. This can cause foot ulcers and may lead to amputation.