Medics Raise Alarm over Diabetes Surge

Thika,

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

KNA by Muoki Charles

One out of 10 people screened during Diabetes Day celebrations at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) had diabetes, a trend that is worrying medics.

Dr Caroline Mithi, diabetes specialist said the statistics are alarming and might reflect the case nationally since many people don’t go for diabetes screening.

Speaking during the screening exercise, the medic also noted with concern that Diabetes Mellitus which affects children is also becoming prevalent attributing it to either parents contracting the disease while expectant, or poor lifestyle.

 “Out of the number that we screened, one out of 10 people were diabetic. This is a trend that should worry the country given the fact that many people are yet to be screened,” said Dr. Mithi.

Dr Mithi observed that the rising cases of diabetes have triggered a surge in other related diseases including Stroke, Heart Attack and Kidney failure.

She attributed the rising cases to lack of exercises, unbalanced diet, obesity and excessive use of tobacco.

The medic challenged parents to look for diabetes symptoms in their children early including frequent urination and especially at night, dehydration and excessive consumption of water.

"They should take their children for screening as soon as they spot these symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment. It's also imperative for parents to be strict on their children's diet to keep the disease in bay or in check," she noted.

Simon Chege, a nutritionist at the facility rallied Kenyans to embrace consumption of more proteins and vegetables and reduce carbohydrates in their meals to beat the disease.

Those who benefitted in the camp led by Hannah Ngugi and Muchai Njihia called on Kenyans to get tested for diabetes for early diagnosis and treatment as well as observe their nutrition.

Muchai who termed the disease as a 'silent killer' said that Kenyans must also uphold body exercises to keep the disease at bay.

They also pleaded with the government to enhance primary health care at the grass root level so as to help the neediest locals in the villages.

Courtesy; KNA