Diabetes Mystery: What you Should Know

/Thomas Opiyo Okumu 

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. 

Glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your body can make glucose, but glucose also comes from the food you eat.

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin, or doesn’t use insulin properly.

Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. Diabetes raises the risk for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer. Taking steps to prevent or manage diabetes may lower your risk of developing diabetes health problems.

Does Diabetes pose a health risk to Kenyan community? 

Diabetes poses a significant risk to the Kenyan community, particularly in urban slum areas like Kibera in Nairobi and other slums in Kenya.

The prevalence of diabetes in these communities is on the rise, with rates comparable to or even higher than those in other urban settings globally.

The impact of diabetes extends beyond just the disease itself; it also contributes to an increased burden of associated cardiovascular risk factors and complications.

Factors such as lifestyle changes, including reduced physical activity, smoking, and high alcohol consumption, are prevalent in these communities and contribute to the development and progression of diabetes and related conditions.

Additionally, the lack of adequate screening and low awareness levels further exacerbate the situation, leading to undiagnosed cases and delayed management.

Therefore, addressing diabetes in these communities is crucial for public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kenya.

Myths and Beliefs Surrounding Diabetes in Kenya:

 Like in many other places, there are various myths and beliefs surrounding diabetes in Kenya that can impact how individuals perceive and manage the condition.

These myths often stem from misinformation or cultural beliefs but can have significant implications on health outcomes if not addressed properly.

These can hinder proper understanding and prevention of the condition.

Two common myths are: Diabetes is the result of eating too much sugar: This belief is not based on factual evidence. 

While consuming large amounts of sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for diabetes, the condition itself is not caused by sugar intake.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

Diabetes is as a result of a curse?

This belief is deeply rooted in some Kenyan communities and can lead to stigmatization and discrimination against people with diabetes. 

There is no scientific evidence to support this belief, and it can prevent people from seeking diagnosis and treatment for the condition.

Factors to Consider to Determine if One May Have Diabetes in Kenya Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.

In Kenya, like in many other countries, there are several factors to consider when determining if someone may have diabetes.

These factors include: Symptoms: Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections.

If an individual experience these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Family History:

A family history of diabetes can increase the risk of developing the condition.

If close relatives such as parents or siblings have diabetes, it is important to be vigilant about monitoring blood sugar levels and overall health.

Lifestyle Factors:

Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of diabetes.

These include poor diet choices high in sugar and unhealthy fats, lack of physical activity, obesity or being overweight, and smoking.

Addressing these lifestyle factors through healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of diabetes.

Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Individuals over the age of 45 are at a higher risk and should be regularly screened for diabetes.

 Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups have a higher predisposition to developing diabetes than others.

In Kenya, certain ethnicities may have a higher prevalence of diabetes, making it important for individuals from these groups to be aware of their risk factors.

Medical History: Individuals with a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is crucial for individuals with these medical histories to undergo regular screenings for diabetes.

Blood Sugar Levels: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels through tests such as fasting blood glucose or HbA1c can help detect prediabetes or diabetes early on before symptoms manifest.

Access to Healthcare Services: In Kenya, access to healthcare services and resources for managing diabetes can vary depending on location and socioeconomic status.

Lack of access to regular medical check-ups and necessary medications can hinder the early detection and management of diabetes.

By considering these factors and staying proactive about monitoring one’s health through regular check-ups and screenings, individuals in Kenya can better assess their risk of having diabetes and take appropriate steps towards prevention or management.

Preventive measures for diabetes in Kenya Diabetes prevention in Kenya involves multicomponent interventions for lifestyle modification including increasing education and upskilling at individual level, promoting social and physical environments that support healthy living at population level, and are particularly needed in low-income communities.

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About the Author: Thomas Opiyo Okumu is currently the Chief Executive Officer at The Heart to Action Organization. 

He also serves as the president of Global Empowerment Christian Centre and the Executive Director of Eltofam Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Development Studies from Mount Kenya University, and a Master of Arts in International Development Studies (with concentration on Health and Development) from Ohio University, USA. He can be reached at opiyothomas@gmail.com