The number of people suffering from diabetes in Trans Nzoia County has skyrocketed recently – with medical experts attributing it to the lack of physical exercise and poor diet.
Speaking after leading County staff in a kilometer walk during that marking of this year’s World Diabetes Day, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Claire Wanyama said the disease can be managed effectively by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Currently, more than 4,000 people in the county suffer from diabetes, said Mrs. Wanyama.
She observed that World Diabetes Day allows people to share experiences and information about the disease which would enable them to come up with a way forward.
The CECM noted that Trans Nzoia County plans to scale up screening of residents, with over 400 having been screened in the last week.
“It is only through screening that the department will be able to identify those who have the disease, that is the reason we are boosting the screening exercise,” she said.
According to health data, breastfeeding children for six months can hugely reduce cases of diabetes.
The Health CECM further revealed that her department plans to initiate a policy change in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on the plight of people living with diabetes, saying NHIF should cover treatment of diabetes patients fully.
On his part, Dr. Silas Wambulwa who is a diabetes specialist said Cherangani Sub-County is leading in the county with the highest diabetes prevalence.
