One in five Sri Lankan adults diagnosed with diabetes

13 November 2025 05:11 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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Colombo, Nov. 13 (Daily Mirror) - Health experts have raised concern over the growing number of diabetes cases in Sri Lanka, revealing that one in five adults in the country is now living with the disease.

According to Consultant Eye Surgeon at the National Eye Hospital, Dr. Kapila Banduthilaka, diabetes cases have risen by 73% in recent years.

“In Sri Lanka, between 23% and 30% of adults are estimated to have diabetes — that’s about one in five people,” Dr. Banduthilaka said in a press conference at the Health Promotion Bureau.

“Among them, one-third suffer from eye diseases, and around 11% of this group risk blindness if not treated.”

He noted that diabetes has become a major issue among the working-age population, affecting both health and productivity.

Dr. Banduthilaka added that the country faces an estimated annual income loss of Rs. 923 million due to diabetes-related blindness and vision impairment.

Comments - 15

P Kunchithapathan Thursday, 13 November 2025 05:59 PM

For pharmaceutical companies and a section of medical professionals, it may be a sweet treat — but for the people of this country, it is a grave challenge. It is high time the government recognizes this as a national health emergency and declares a red alert. The numbers are alarming. Millions are dependent on Metformin, and many others rely on insulin for Type 1 diabetes. Only God knows how many are silently suffering from kidney diseases and eye complications as a result.

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Dr Bamunusinghe Thursday, 13 November 2025 10:41 PM

Nestamolt is more than 60% sugar.

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Mohan Thursday, 13 November 2025 06:33 PM

It is due to the present lifestyle excess food and indulgence in sweets, cakes, and fast food plus the lack of physical activity.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 14 November 2025 10:49 AM

Yes, our people are greedy and lazy. A sure recipe for disaster.

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Danny Thursday, 13 November 2025 07:23 PM

Oh, yes high usage of sugar. Just take a cup of coffee from a wending machine and see how much sugar in it. Government must tax on sugary drinks as in the case in the UK.

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Sambo Thursday, 13 November 2025 07:29 PM

All you doctors are scaring the daylight out of the people by giving such statements. Are you promoting pharmaceutical companies in the world. Can you tell us if there is one person in this world who is 100% free of any sickness. The drugs that you people prescribe is what is taking us closer to the grave. So please stop frightening the public with such statements.

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Sachi Kuhananthan MD Thursday, 13 November 2025 09:24 PM

The primary culprit is increased sugar and refined carbs intake. Type 2 diabetes is a man made disease. It should be controlled mostly by diet.

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Sutha jega Thursday, 13 November 2025 08:17 PM

On other side we should consider the diabetes is one of the major income source to pharma industry and medical professionals. The income not limited to selling drugs but spread across consultancy , procedures and therapy. Key issue is none of above are permanent solutions, but life time care. Because of this people turns toward natural and herbal options which are also rarely solve but mostly persistent and lower side effects. There should be a permanent solution identified and introduced , preferably through life style rather than treatments.

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FredSnR Friday, 14 November 2025 03:40 AM

Better than lamenting the increase promote the prevention .Govts can play a role led by doctors.Plenty of ways to test, even self-tests. Aim should be to halt it at the pre-diabetic stage before damage is done and we have patients for life.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 14 November 2025 04:06 AM

Food served at majority of Sri Lankan restaurants are 100% unhealthy for even for anyone. Too much sugar or too much cheap oil, or too much carbs, and too much refined food.

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Islander Friday, 14 November 2025 04:38 AM

Diabetic is NOT a disease and it can be managed well, if not you will get other illness. Extremely simple to prevent Type 2: don't load with carb unless you work in the fields to burn it. Balance each meal with a share of protein. Go back to old village meal. Government must limit sea food export for the prices to be affordable for many. That's the main gift protein in an island nation.

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Daisyachige manic koode Friday, 14 November 2025 06:13 AM

At least now people should understand why successive governments increased sugar price.

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Ghaus Friday, 14 November 2025 06:31 AM

What do you expect people to eat—a healthy meal a day? The prices of basic food items have skyrocketed. People eat for the sake of eating, not for a healthy, balanced diet. Many vendors and small hotels in Sri Lanka serve substandard food or use substandard ingredients. Doctors at almost all hospital clinics keep giving medicines to diabetic patients without any clear idea or taking any time to analyse their disease condition. The number of patients is growing every day. Poor people have to suffer while the rich can afford good healthcare in Sri Lanka.

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Victor Friday, 14 November 2025 09:14 AM

Stop blaming others for our bad habits of over eating and drinking sweet drinks. We have forgotten how to share. Learn to drink tea without sugar and drink more water

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Paul Cole Friday, 14 November 2025 11:29 AM

astronauts get more tang...!!!!

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