Residents urged to seek early diagnosis for diabetes

Busia,

Wednesday, November 15, 2023,

KNA by Victoria Magar

Residents of Busia County have been urged to seek early diagnosis for diabetes with a view to lessen complications.

Speaking during the celebrations to mark the World Diabetes Day at Busia County Referral Hospital on Tuesday, Busia County Director for Universal Health Coverage Dr. David Mukabi explained that delay in detection and treatment of diabetes can lead to complications of the liver, heart and eyes.

“Most patients visit medical facilities when their eyes are already affected,” he said adding that there was need to sensitise the local residents on the disease.

Mukabi further stated that community health promoters have been trained and given the necessary equipment to test the disease.

 “Those with diabetes also have high blood pressure hence the need for early screening so that treatment can be administered early,” he said.

He noted that the prevalence of the disease in Busia stands at 3.3% against the national level which is 3.1%.

The official at the same time encouraged the local residents to register with the National Hospital Health Insurance Fund so that they can easily access treatment when need arises.

Courtesy; KNA