Ahead of the World Diabetes Day that will take place on the 14thof November, the ministry of health is concerned about the prevalence that is increasing at unprecedented levels, and attributes this to a fast changing people’s lifestyles.
“There is a new thrust of non-communicable diseases in the country, and among these is diabetes. It is a very serious problem. People are changing their lifestyles. They no longer get exercise or work out, and instead of walking they are driven in cars.”the head of non-communicable diseases Doctor Gerald Mutungi said.
The Ministry is now calling for screening of diabetes and sensitizing of the people about the complications that emanate from diabetes.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) 63percent of deaths worldwide are attributed to Non Communicable Diseases and most of them occur in low and middle income countries such as Uganda.
Globally, 415 million people were estimated to be leaving with diabetes in 2015and the number is expected to increase.
“In Uganda, the national NCDs study estimates the prevalence of diabetes at 1.3%. This translates to over 500,000 Ugandans living with diabetes. Unfortunately about 80% of Ugandans living with Diabetes are not aware that they have it” he said
While addressing the media on Friday at the headquarters of Ministry of Health, Mutungi added that some of the first complications that emerge when one has diabetes are blindness, kidney failure, stroke and even impotence.
“We as a ministry advocate for privation and its high time people reduce on taking fast foods and bottled drinks like sodas they are the major cause of diabetes. Some of the causes are tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and harmful use of alcohol.”
In marking the World Diabetes Day the ministry of health will offer free diabetes screening and education at Jinja Hospital and all health center 4s from 14th to 18th November.