Mombasa City joined the globe to commemorate World Diabetes Day and reflect on the strides made in raising awareness and fighting the disease.
This annual global event, established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to highlight the growing threat of diabetes and the importance of prevention, treatment, and care. This year’s theme is Diabetes and Well-being.
Observed every November 14, the event doubles up as celebration of the birthday of Dr. Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921 in a breakthrough that has saved countless lives.
In Mombasa the colourful event in was organized by the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) and it was extended to Saturday, November 16, 2024. It started with a 10-kilometre awareness walk.
The walk kicked off at Mombasa’s Central Business District Huduma Centre at 6 a.m., passing through key landmarks like Kibarani, Makupa, Bangladesh, Changamwe, Mikindani, Tudor, and Buxton, ending at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mombasa Campus and Coast General Hospital.
The walk brought together representatives from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), the Department of Health Services Mombasa County, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and thousands of Mombasa residents.
The TUM team participated in the walk and donated bottled water, underscoring its commitment to community health initiatives. During the event, Dr Ali Omar from the Department of Health Services in Mombasa County explained that diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
He elaborated on the types of diabetes, including Type 1, which is often diagnosed in childhood, Type 2, which develops over time due to lifestyle factors, and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. He highlighted the causes and risk factors, such as genetics, poor lifestyle choices, obesity, and inactivity.
Dr Omar also spoke about the symptoms of diabetes, which include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. He stressed the importance of managing the condition through regular exercise, healthy eating, medication adherence, and regular screening to monitor sugar levels.
Dr Tadudi Ali who represented TUM made the final remarks during the occasion whereby she thanked the organizers and attendants for making the event highly successful. The organizers included TUM. She acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in promoting health and wellness.
At the end of the walk, free health screenings were offered at Coast General Hospital. Participants had their weight, height, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels checked.
They also received personalized wellness cards with their results, which served as a powerful reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups in preventing and managing diabetes.
World Diabetes Day has achieved significant milestones over the years. It has raised global awareness about the risks, symptoms, and treatment of diabetes, making millions more informed about this life-altering disease.
Advances in treatment, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, have greatly improved the lives of people living with diabetes. Additionally, community-based initiatives have provided better access to care and emotional support for those affected.
In Kenya, the government and the Ministry of Health have made commendable strides in combating diabetes. Public health campaigns have been launched to educate citizens about prevention and early detection, with regular screening programs taking place nationwide.
The initiatives have included introduction of affordable insulin programs through partnerships with global organizations, which ensures that life-saving medication is accessible to vulnerable populations.
This year’s event emphasized that early screening is crucial. Diabetes often develops silently, and without regular check-ups, many people are diagnosed too late, leading to complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. By identifying and managing diabetes early, these risks can be significantly reduced.
Let this World Diabetes Day be a wake-up call for everyone. We all have a role to play in combating diabetes, starting with adopting healthier lifestyles. This includes eating balanced meals with more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while cutting down on processed foods and sugary drinks.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, can also help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall well-being. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is equally important, as these habits exacerbate diabetes-related complications.
