Diabetes upsurge worrisome

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Correspondent

 

During a health expo recently held in Mutare by the Zimbabwe Diabetes Association (ZDA) and the Lions Club, 39 of the 119 people who were tested were diagnosed with diabetes.

Seventy people received free reading glasses.

Optometrists, among other specialist doctors, were present to offer free services.

The high percentage of those diagnosed with diabetes prompted ZDA to call on people to adopt healthier lifestyles.

In an interview, ZDA Manicaland board chairperson, Bishop Jeremiah Matenhese said diabetes is one of the major chronic killers, hence the need for proper management of the disease.

“These are alarming rates, and there is need to raise further awareness on the importance of regularly getting tested for diabetes. As ZDA, we have been doing everything possible to fight this deadly disease,” he said.

He further called on people to get regular tests as most diabetic patients are not even aware of their condition.

Bishop Matenhese called upon the media to be a major player in conducting diabetes awareness campaigns.

“This is a continuation of ZDA’s national agenda of preaching the gospel on prevention and management of diabetes. This month is World Diabetic month, and because of that we are going around the country carrying out awareness campaigns and offering free medical services for diabetes,” he said.

Bishop Matenhese said diabetes usually attacks patients’ eyes, hence the distribution of reading glasses to those in need.
Lions Club president, Ms Beauty Hughes said they were impressed by the high turn-out of residents for the health expo.

“Most people do not have adequate information on diabetes. It is therefore important that awareness is raised so that people get tested and receive the medication they need in time. This will reduce preventable deaths,” said Ms Hughes.

“We are encouraging people to get tested regularly. It is important to keep your health in check, and at the same time change your lifestyle because diabetes is a lifestyle disease. It often attacks those who live recklessly by binging on fast foods,” she said.