As the world marked the Word Diabetes Day on Monday, residents of Trans Nzoia County have been urged to visit health centres and hospitals in order to receive vital information concerning the disease and to know how to stay healthy when diagnosed with the disease.
According to Dr Evans Mwangi Mwanuthu, a Consultant physician in Trans Nzoia County, the number of patients diagnosed with the disease has increased recently.
Globally, the number of people diagnosed with the disease has reached 415 million according to a research carried out by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and in Africa, the number stands at 150 million people.
“In Africa, the tally of people diagnosed with the disease might reach 180 million people by the year 2030,” said Dr. Mwangi.
Dr. Mwangi explained the main driving factors that contribute to the spread of the disease giving examples of poor nutrition where locals don’t eat a balanced diet, opting to give special preferences to foods which have a high level of cholesterol, which is detrimental to one’s health.
He advised residents to follow doctors’ prescriptions when it comes to handling and managing the disease, adding that they should prioritize a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
On his part, Acting CEC for Health in Trans Nzoia Dr. Isaac Kogo said the county is working with doctors to ensure the disease is eliminated in the County, by employing more experienced staff specialized in the dealing with diabetes, and they intend to reach out to more people. Community health workers will also reach out to more people by visiting rural areas to disseminate information about the disease.
