Diabetes crisis in Sri Lanka; cases up 73%, one in five adults affected, say health experts

• Warns diabetes is increasingly affecting the working-age population, impacting both health and productivity
• Authorities emphasize the urgent need for awareness campaigns, early detection, and lifestyle interventions, including proper diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups, to curb the rising trend 

Health experts have sounded the alarm over a growing diabetes crisis in Sri Lanka, revealing that one in five adults are now living with the disease, with cases rising by 73% in recent years.  

Speaking at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Kapila Banduthilaka, Consultant Eye Surgeon at the National Eye Hospital, warned that diabetes is increasingly affecting the working-age population, impacting both health and productivity. He noted that one-third of those with diabetes suffer from eye diseases, and around 11% risk blindness if left untreated.   

Dr. Banduthilaka also highlighted the economic impact, stating that diabetes-related vision impairment and blindness cause an estimated annual income loss of Rs. 923 million for the country.   

Authorities emphasized the urgent need for awareness campaigns, early detection, and lifestyle interventions, including proper diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups, to curb the rising trend.   

With the disease affecting a significant portion of adults, experts say proactive measures are critical to prevent a worsening public health and economic crisis in Sri Lanka.