American Expatriate Costa Rica

Diabetes: a great threat to the country

Diabetes is an increasing evil in the country: it is affecting 12.8% of the Costa Rican population.

Studies conducted by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) indicate that this disease grew by 2% between 2010 and 2014, increasing in that time to about 60.000 more diabetics.

Part of the worrying thing is that out of every 10 diabetics who know about their disease, there are 2 that they do not know it and they do not receive a treatment.

Each day, this disease generates around 1,214 consultations in the CCSS health centers. In addition, 104 people are assisted in the emergency services, 10 people leave the hospital, 1 person loses a limb and one person dies.

These data support a decision of the health authorities to start a way to fight the disease. The measure includes prescribing exercise, as part of the treatment to reduce the complications that this disease produces in the heart, kidneys, eyes, lower, vascular and cerebral extremities.

crhoy.com