MSP calls for action to defuse diabetes "ticking time bomb".
A Highlands and Islands MSP has demanded action to defuse the “ticking time bomb” of type 2 diabetes.
Labour’s Dave Stewart called for a new programme to tackle and prevent “Scotland’s silent killer”.
Nine out of 10 adults in the UK with diabetes have the type 2 form. It usually develops in later age when the body cannot produce enough insulin. The rapid rise in cases is blamed on obesity, lack of exercise, unhealthy diets and an ageing population.
Yesterday, Mr Stewart asked Public Health Minister Michael Matheson if he shared his concern that “we are facing a ticking time bomb with the explosion of type 2 diabetes in Scotland”, and invited him to talks with the charity Diabetes Scotland to explore possible action.
Mr Matheson said tackling obesity was a complex issue that had to be taken forward on a number of fronts such as changing dietary habits and increasing physical activity.
“Of course, I am more than happy to meet the member and his colleagues to discuss whether there are specific measures that they feel that we could take forward together,” he said.
