80% of Ugandans living with diabetes don't know

Nov 12, 2016

Globally, 415 million people were estimated to be living with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to 640 million by 2040

Dr. Jane Aceng the minister for health

About 500,000 Ugandans are diabetic.

Addressing the press ahead of the World Diabetes Day on Monday 14th 2016, Dr. Jane Aceng the minister for health attributed the figures to lifestyle habits such as tobacco use, lack of exercises, unhealthy diets and abuse of alcohol.

Observing that most people were seeking treatment when it was too late, Aceng appealed to the public to embrace routine screening.

"About 80% of Ugandans living with Diabetes are not aware that they have it. These will present later with difficult to manage complications including blindness, kidney failure, stroke and even impotence," Aceng added.

Globally, 415 million people were estimated to be living with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to 640 million by 2040.

The World Health Organization estimates that non-communicable diseases (NDCs) like diabetes are responsible for 63% of deaths worldwide, with more than half of these deaths occurring in low and middle income countries like Uganda. In Uganda, the national statistics estimates the prevalence of diabetes at 1.3%.

Aceng said her ministry was training health workers in the prevention and control of such diseases.

"We are also offering opportunities for screening through community outreaches. Soon the ministry will spearhead screening of leaders beginning with cabinet and members of parliament. Leaders will act as role models and advocates in prevention and control of NCDs," she added.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});