Why many Kenyan youths are diabetic
Experts have expressed concern about many Kenyans with high blood sugar levels, especially among the youth.
According to the Acting Director of the Department of Disease Prevention in the country, Dr. Andrew Mulwa, there has been an increase in young people under 25 suffering from diabetes.
“That is why the government, in collaboration with philanthropists has started the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) program to enable children and young people under the age of 25 affected by diabetes to get medical services free of charge,” said Dr. Mulwa.
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The increase is related to the lifestyle adopted by many youths.
Most of the youths eat a lot of sugary meals and go without exercising.
“So far, more than 3800 children and young people in 37 counties have benefited from the CDiC program,” he explained.
However, the worrying thing is that most Kenyans have yet to be tested.
Currently, 2.3 million Kenyans, equal to 5 percent, have a high sugar level in their blood.
Among them, only 40 percent have been tested to determine if they are at risk of developing diabetes or not.
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“In general, 87 percent of Kenyans do not know if they have diabetes or not, putting themselves at risk of starting treatment late,” says Dr. Mulwa.
He also noted that only 40 percent of people tested and diagnosed with diabetes receive treatment.
“60 percent of patients have avoided treatment, and this put their health at risk. Diabetes can be controlled if the victim receives the necessary treatment,” added Dr. Mulwa.
How youths can protect themselves from contracting diabetes
Since obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest diabetes risk factors that are controllable, health experts recommend that people watch their weight and exercise regularly to avert Type-2 diabetes.
Diet is also important because it helps with weight loss and enables people to maintain the recommended weight.
A balanced diet with minimal starch, protein, and plenty of vegetables is beneficial.
One should avoid harmful habits such as smoking.
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