Arab News reports that 60% of Gulf Arabs face the genetic probability of acquiring diabetes in their lifetimes. Quoting John Buse of the American Diabetes Association, this propensity comes from the historic levels of starvation that prevailed in the region until recently, coupled with a lower level of physical activity. Apparently, watching one’s diet and getting regular exercise are the best approaches to avoiding the problem.

Expert Says Gulf Nationals Face 60% Risk of Diabetes
Hasan Hatrash, Arab News

JEDDAH, 25 March 2008 — People in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region face a 60 percent lifetime risk of developing diabetes, according to an official of the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

“It is very scary; most people would contract diabetes if they didn’t have the awareness of how to prevent the disease,” said Dr. John B. Buse, president, medicine and science of the ADA.

He said that the issue was widely recognized in the Kingdom and the big hope for the future was to detect diabetes early when the treatment is easier and usually more successful.
…