Alarming increase in the number of diabetes cases

Romania is facing an alarming increase in diabetes cases, especially among children under the age of 14. Experts warn that this could be linked to aggressive marketing by fast-food chains, which directly target children. In Salaj County, in the first half of the year, approximately 10% of the population was diagnosed with various forms of diabetes, according to RRA correspondent Adrian Lungu.

Reporter: The incidence of diabetes is increasing from year to year.

Director of the Salaj Public Health Department, Radu Buciuman: There are almost 20.000 people registered, of whom 3.750 are insulin-dependent and 16.000 are insulin-independent.

Most patients are in rural areas. Diabetes is being detected in more and more young people with weight problems.

Doctor Daniela Zaharie: The incidence of diabetes is increasing, not only among the population of Salaj County, but worldwide. On the other hand, the incidence of obesity is constantly increasing worldwide due to various dietary imbalances and excessive, chaotic eating.

The health authorities in Salaj believe that prevention programs need to be intensified in schools and in family doctors' offices.

Translated by: Radu Matei