Health authorities have announced that one in five adults in Sri Lanka is currently living with diabetes, highlighting a rapidly growing public health concern.
Speaking at a press conference at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Kapila Banduthilaka, Consultant Eye Surgeon at the National Eye Hospital, said that nearly one-third of adults with diabetes also suffer from eye diseases.
“According to the latest data, we are seeing a 73% increase in the number of diabetic patients,” Dr. Banduthilaka stated.
He explained that while one in nine adults globally has diabetes, Sri Lanka’s prevalence is estimated to be between 23% and 30%, meaning that roughly one in five adults in the country is affected. Of these patients, one-third experience eye-related complications, and 11% are at risk of going blind if the condition goes untreated, as diabetes particularly affects the eyes.
“This situation significantly impacts our working-age population,” he noted.
Dr. Banduthilaka also pointed out the severe economic costs, estimating an annual loss of Rs. 923 million due to blindness and vision impairment linked to diabetes.
He added that a visit to the Eye Hospital would show that many of the patients at risk of blindness are not elderly, but instead are between 40 and 50 years old.
“This disease is preventable. There is no need for these individuals to lose their vision. In its early stages, diabetes can be controlled through lifestyle changes, dietary management, and regular health check-ups. Even if total prevention is not possible, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help protect eyesight,” he emphasized.
